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Pearls From Local Dentists: The Problem In Your Practice Probably Isn’T A Staffing Problem

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

"Clinical Corner: Pearls from Local Dentists" is a section of the WMDDS Bulletin where local dentists share clinical wisdom for fellow practitioners. This edition discusses The Problem in Your Practice Probably Isn’t a Staffing Problem.

The Back Page - A New Chapter For The Mda Journal, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Tim Rath, MDA's Content and Editorial Manager, introduces himself as the managing editor of the MDA Journal. He outlines a new strategic chapter focused on aligning the journal's clinical content with the association's broader advocacy, educational, and membership events. Celebrating the legacy of Dave Foe and welcoming new Editor-in-Chief Dr. Romesh Nalliah, Rath emphasizes that the best story ideas originate from practitioners in the field. He invites Michigan dentists to share personal narratives of unique career paths, fascinating hobbies, unique patient cases, and life outside the clinic to foster professional inspiration.

Dentistry And The Law - Understanding ‘Rollover Equity’ When Selling Your Practice, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Daniel J. Schulte, MDA Legal Counsel, addresses the legal and tax implications of 'rollover equity' when dentists sell their practices to private equity-backed buyers. The article outlines typical shareholder and buy-sell agreement restrictions, noting how equity is often subject to vesting and employment covenants. Schulte explains the critical importance of making an Internal Revenue Code Section 83(b) election within 30 days of closing. Failing to file this election results in taxation at high ordinary income rates as the stock vests, whereas a timely election accelerates tax payments but secures lower capital gains tax rates upon eventual sale.

Mda At Your Service - Protecting Your Practice, Finding Talent And More, Mda Membership Department Staff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Q&A compiled by MDA staff provides critical guidance to support practice owners. It outlines key warning signs of employee embezzlement, such as closely guarding job duties or refusing cross-training, and highlights complimentary risk assessment tools and endorsed investigative services available through Prosperident. Furthermore, the article introduces free recruitment resources on the MDA Job Board for searching job-seeker profiles and posting openings. It also provides practical advice for resolving communication and online portal login issues by verifying registered email addresses with the MDA membership department.

Staff Matters - How Can We Strengthen Our Hiring Process?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Jodi Schafer, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, provides practical strategies to help dental practice owners navigate the highly competitive labor market and strengthen their hiring process. The article advises practices to update outdated job descriptions, evaluate competitive salary data for geographical areas, and look beyond traditional job boards to employee referrals and patient networks. It stresses the significance of positive candidate experiences during recruitment, formalizing written job offers with clear compensation and benefit terms, and establishing structured onboarding programs to significantly enhance staff retention, job performance, and long-term practice success.

When Dentists Spoke Up, The Law Changed, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article details how grassroots member advocacy led to the passage of Michigan Senate Bill 105. Championed by the Michigan Dental Association, the law requires insurers to offer at least one fee-free payment method for dental reimbursements, protecting practices from being forced to pay transaction fees of 3% to 5% to access virtual credit card payments. Once a dentist opts out under the new law, insurers must maintain the alternative payment method. This legislative victory highlights the power of organized dentistry in relieving the administrative and financial burdens faced by individual practitioners amid rising operational overhead costs.

Udm Dean's Report - A Look At The Student Of Today As We Prepare Them For Tomorrow, Mert N. Aksu Dds, Jd, Mhsa, Cert. Dph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

UDM Dental School Dean Mert N. Aksu discusses the profiles, expectations, and challenges of modern dental students, highlighting their collaborative nature, tech-savviness, and focus on wellness and work-life balance. The report outlines UDM's clinical curriculum enhancements, including systems-based biomedical integration, and extensive clinical practice labs. Aksu addresses the substantial 58% inflation-adjusted rise in educational debt since 2008 and updates on community service rotations (Corktown Clinic, Titans for Teeth), the implementation of the new Vermont Track for rural care, the adoption of AI radiographic analysis, and comprehensive student mental health support programs.

From The President - The Transformative Value Of Our Profession, Melanie E. Mayberry, Dds, Ms-Hcm

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Melanie E. Mayberry, MDA President, reflects on the transformative value of dentistry on both patients and the personal lives of practitioners. The article emphasizes how the dental profession builds stronger communities through service, empathy, mentorship, and continuous learning. Highlighting student and patient resilience in the face of adversity, Mayberry draws inspiration from events like the Kalamazoo Mission of Mercy, where volunteers provided over one million dollars in free dental care. She encourages dentists of all generations to foster a community of belonging, embrace professional evolution, and appreciate the spiritual and personal rewards of their service.

Um Dean's Report - Meeting The Challenge Of Educating Dentists In A Constantly Evolving Profession, Jacques E. Nör

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

University of Michigan School of Dentistry Dean Jacques Nör highlights the school's historical legacy during its 150th anniversary and details recent academic, clinical, and research progress. Key developments include the establishment of the state-of-the-art Digital Dentistry Center for in-house digital workflows, a pediatric certificate program in Social Epidemiology funded by a $2.1 million federal grant, the transition to Epic electronic health records (integrated with MyChart), and the community-based collaborative care rotation program in Marquette. The report also highlights national faculty leadership roles and $24.1 million in research funding.

J Mich Dent Assoc Sept. 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The September 2026 (Volume 108, No. 9) issue of the Journal is published in print format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

This full compilation of the September 2026 Journal of the Michigan Dental Association features the deans' reports from the …

Mda Insurance - Online Open Enrollment Now Available For Mda Health Plan, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Craig Start, President of MDA Insurance, discusses health insurance planning for dental practices and families, introducing a new secure online open enrollment process through Employee Navigator for the MDA Health Plan. Running through October and November 2026, this online portal coordinates plan sponsors and employees to adjust coverage and add dependents. The article highlights other critical 2027 health coverage enrollment timelines, including individual marketplace plans and Medicare supplement choices, and emphasizes the personalized, cost-free advisory and claims advocacy services provided by MDA Insurance agents to support informed decision-making.

Patient-Centered Imaging In Dentistry, Erika Benavides Dds, Phd, Fabiana Naomi Soki, James R. Geist Dds, Ms, Angela M. Hoikka, Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This clinical feature discusses joint guidelines by the ADA and AAOMR for patient-centered dental radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), emphasizing individual risk-based needs rather than routine schedules. It covers the principles of radiation safety: justification, optimization (ALARA/ALADA), and dose limitation. The article maps out specific imaging modalities recommended for caries, periodontal disease, endodontics, orthodontics, implants, and TMJ disorders. Additionally, it summarizes Michigan's administrative rules for X-ray installation shielding, equipment alignment, stable mechanical support, operator positioning, and the mandatory radiography training program requirements for dental assistants.

J Mich Dent Assoc August 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The August 2026 (Volume 108, No. 8) issue of the Journal is published in print format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

The August 2026 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association explores clinical, professional, legal, leadership, and public …

Mda At Your Service: Updating Your Practice Roster With The Mda, Mda Membership Department Staff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This question-and-answer article provides practical guidance for MDA members on updating practice rosters, accessing continuing education opportunities, addressing staffing shortages through virtual assistants, and participating in the MDA LEAD Program. The article highlights available member resources and emphasizes professional development, workforce support, and leadership growth within organized dentistry.

The Back Page: A Toast To The Future: From Boomers To Gen Z Zoomers, George T. Goodis Dds, Gerald J. Halk Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article highlights a leadership brunch that brought together multiple generations of dental leaders to encourage engagement in organized dentistry. The gathering emphasized mentorship, leadership development, and the transfer of institutional knowledge to younger dentists. Participants celebrated the future of the profession while discussing the importance of community involvement, leadership participation, and professional growth.

The Invisible Work: On Expertise, Showmanship, And The Trust That Makes Surgery Work, Anish Gupta D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This commentary examines how clinicians can make their expertise more visible to patients through communication, education, and clinical narration. Drawing parallels to surgical checklists and professional mastery, the author argues that trust is built not only through excellent outcomes but also through helping patients understand the complexity and judgment behind treatment. The article emphasizes communication, transparency, education, and mentorship as important elements of patient-centered care.

From The Editor: Is Giving Actually Better Than Receiving?, Romesh Nalliah

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial examines the relationship between generosity, volunteerism, and well-being. Using the Michigan Dental Association Foundation’s Mission of Mercy as a focal point, the author highlights research suggesting that prosocial behavior can improve mental and physical health while benefiting communities in need. The article encourages oral health professionals to use their skills and resources to support underserved populations through volunteer service, mentorship, and community engagement.

Mda Insurance: Voluntary Benefits Help With Employee Recruitment, Satisfaction, Retention, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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This article discusses how voluntary employee benefits can strengthen recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction in dental practices. Topics include health insurance, disability coverage, life insurance, critical illness protection, accident insurance, vision plans, and cafeteria plans. The author explains how benefit offerings can improve workplace competitiveness while helping employees manage financial risks and healthcare costs.

Staff Matters: Is Our Dental Practice's Culture As Strong As We Think It Is?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores how workplace culture influences employee retention, team morale, and patient experience in dental practices. The author discusses indicators of healthy and unhealthy workplace cultures, leadership behaviors that shape organizational climate, and practical strategies for gathering employee feedback, improving communication, and reinforcing accountability. Small, consistent actions are presented as effective tools for building a positive work environment.

July 2026 Mda Insurance — Voluntary Benefits Help With Employee Recruitment, Satisfaction, Retention, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Craig Start, president of MDA Insurance, addresses the ongoing dental staffing shortage by advocating for comprehensive employee benefit packages. He explains how offering a mix of employer-paid and voluntary benefits, such as disability, life, and vision insurance, can make a practice a more desirable employer. The article specifically highlights the MDA Health Plan and employee-paid options like critical illness insurance, which help offset financial exposure from high-deductible plans. Start notes that these voluntary benefits are cost-effective for employers and can be administered through pre-tax cafeteria plans to improve employee economic security and retention.

July 2026 From The Editor — 40 Years Of Success And Value To You, Romesh Nalliah

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

• Editor-in-Chief Romesh Nalliah uses the historical example of King Hammurabi's loan agreements to illustrate the foundational concept of risk management and insurance. He celebrates the 40th anniversary of the MDA Insurance & Financial Group, highlighting its growth into a full-service agency that addresses the specific needs of dentists. Nalliah emphasizes the "multiplicative effect" of supporting these member-governed services: they offer individual cost savings and generate non-dues revenue that funds broader MDA benefits and reduces dues. He credits the association's volunteer leadership for establishing this successful model of value-driven professional support.

July 2026 Feature Article 1 — The Real Importance Of The Dental Team, William Chase Dds, Maom

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Drawing on over 40 years of experience, Dr. William R. Chase identifies a cohesive dental team as the primary key to practice success. Moving away from the "solo performer" mindset often developed in dental school, the article highlights the necessity of trust and commitment among staff. Chase offers strategic advice for leadership, including sharing a clear practice vision, holding regular meetings, and recognizing staff through bonuses or continuing education opportunities. He underscores that maintaining a strong, appreciated team is vital for practice longevity and providing optimal patient care.

July 2026 Dentistry And The Law — Can Unlicensed People Own A Dental Practice? Who Is Enforcing The Law?, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This legal column addresses the complexities of dental practice ownership in Michigan, clarifying that only licensed dentists can legally own a practice through professional corporations or professional limited liability companies. It explains the "Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine," which aims to ensure licensed professionals, rather than profit-motivated lay persons, control health service delivery. The article details how management companies often operate legally as landlords or service providers without technically owning the practice itself. Finally, it notes that only the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the attorney general have the authority to enforce these regulations.

July 2026 Cover Story — 40 Years Of Mda Insurance And Mda Services, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article celebrates the 40th anniversary of MDA Insurance and MDA Services, the Michigan Dental Association's for-profit subsidiary. It outlines the history of the subsidiary, its evolution from small beginnings to a robust provider of commercial and personal insurance products, and its significant financial impact, returning over $42 million to the MDA since 1994. The piece emphasizes the subsidiary’s "by dentists, for dentists" philosophy, its role in keeping member dues stable through non-dues revenue, and its successful innovation of endorsed programs like Bank of America Practice Solutions and precious metals refining.

J Mich Dent Assoc July 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The July 2026 (Volume 108, No. 7) issue of the Journal is published in print format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

The July 2026 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association celebrates the 40th anniversary of the association's …

July 2026 Staff Matters® — Is It Time For Our Dental Practice To Consider Outsourcing Hr?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column examines the practicalities of outsourcing human resources (HR) functions for growing dental practices. Jodi Schafer explains that as administrative burdens like hiring and compliance become overwhelming for small teams, bringing in outside HR support offers a flexible and expertise-driven solution. Benefits include peace of mind regarding evolving employment laws, formalized internal operations, and streamlined technology integration for payroll and benefits. The article outlines key indicators for when a practice should consider this move and emphasizes that an effective HR partner should function as an extension of the practice’s unique culture and values.

Mdds: The Road Ahead, Shelly Fava Ms, Cmp, Cae

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article outlines the Metro Denver Dental Society’s (MDDS) vision for supporting dental professionals through education, innovation and community engagement. MDDS Executive Director, Shelly Fava, highlights the organization’s commitment to addressing emerging trends in dentistry, including oral-systemic health and workforce development. It also explores how MDDS plans to strengthen member value through expanded programming, strategic partnerships and future-focused initiatives. The article provides insight into the association’s long-term priorities and its role in shaping the future of organized dentistry in Colorado.

Mda At Your Service: How Often Must I Contact A Patient To Finish Her Treatment?, Mda Membership Department Staff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This department feature answers member questions regarding clinical standards and association benefits. It clarifies that no specific law dictates the number of times a patient must be contacted to complete treatment, advising the use of professional judgment based on treatment severity. It also highlights vehicle discounts available through the ADA and the MDA's locum tenens program, the COVER Program. Finally, it introduces the "Women in Dentistry" Facebook group as a supportive community for women in the profession.

Outgoing President Newman: “The Future Of The Mda Is Defined By All Of Us”, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In her final address to the MDA House of Delegates, outgoing President Dr. Cheri Newman reviews the association's progress over the past administrative year. She highlights achievements in strengthening financial stability, advocating for solutions to dental workforce shortages, and expanding community access to care. Newman also discusses the ongoing strategic review of member values and a comprehensive governance review intended to position the association for the future of dentistry. She emphasizes that the organization's strength lies in the collective engagement of its membership.

Mda Insurance: Why You Need A Financial Safety Net — Just In Case, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Craig Start, President of MDA Insurance, emphasizes the critical need for dental professionals to have a comprehensive plan for career-ending injuries or illnesses. He outlines a necessary financial safety net that includes life insurance for heirs, disability income insurance to maintain personal lifestyle, and business overhead expense insurance to protect practice value. The article provides data showing many individuals are underinsured and urges dentists to obtain professional reviews of their insurance portfolios to protect against unpredictable risks.