Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons^™

The New Professional: Tips For Dealing With Unpleasant Patients, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article emphasizes the importance of managing unpleasant patients in dentistry through empathy, effective communication, and tailored care. Dentists should understand that patient anxiety often stems from fear or past trauma. Building trust through clear explanations, personalized comfort measures, and pain management is crucial. Techniques like guided imagery and gradual exposure can help reduce anxiety. Consistency in care and follow-up support strengthens patient relationships, making even the most challenging patients more comfortable and cooperative.

A Visit To The U.P.: The 106th Annual Upper Peninsula Dental Meeting, Elizabeth Knudsen Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Cloverland District Dental Society hosted its 106th annual meeting in Gladstone, Michigan. The event included continuing education, guest speakers, a business meeting, and social activities. The meeting also featured student involvement and discussions about rural dentistry. The next meeting will be held on Mackinac Island in June 2025.

U-M School Of Dentistry: Collaborating With Michigan’S Dentists To Move The Profession Always Forward, Jacques E. Nör Dds, Ms, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Completing his first year as dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry Dr. Nor highlights the importance of community-based learning in dental education. Students gain valuable experience through rotations at various clinics across Michigan, including those serving underserved populations. The dean emphasizes the generosity of dentists who mentor students and the importance of the Oath of Aspiring Dentists. The Commission on Dental Accreditation completed its site visit at our school in March. Its findings identified numerous strengths during the formal review that American dental schools must complete every seven years. Demographic data on the incoming class of 2028 …

Take Action To Address Virginia’S Dental Workforce Needs, Ryan Dunn

Virginia Dental Journal

This article lays out the facts about the dental workforce situation in Virginia and offers potential solutions. The state's dental workforce is under pressure, with rising demand for dental assistants and hygienists and ongoing hiring challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. Despite having more dentists than the national average, rural areas still face shortages. The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) encourages members to support local dental programs, share their workforce challenges, and participate in advocacy efforts. The VDA is actively involved in finding both short-term and long-term solutions to meet the state's dental care needs.

Va Dent J January, February & March 2023

Virginia Dental Journal

In the January, February and March 2023 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• An Interview with Dr. Richard Roadcap: Virginia Dental Journal Editor (2007 – 2023)
• Through the Looking Glass: The Fantastical World of Oral Pathology
• Treatment Access and Outcomes for Craniofacial Care: Patient and Parent Perspectives
• Cheiloscopy
• We’re Taking on the Fight tor Fairness and Transparency: We Need More Dentists to Join the Fight
• Serving the Petersburg Community: VDA Foundation Collaboration with Central Virginia Health Services

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the Virginia membership including: editorial and perspectives columns, legal, association activities, …

Hold Tightly To The Human Touch, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this editorial, Dr. Dziurgot reflects on the diminishing human interaction in various services, from ordering food to medical appointments. The editorial emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal communication in dentistry, arguing that patient care should remain personalized and compassionate. The author reminisces about the personalized service of the past, stressing the need for dentists to engage directly with patients, understand their unique needs, and provide a welcoming environment. The piece calls for a return to human touch in professional practices, despite the convenience of modern technology.

Mda At Your Service: My License Expired, And I’M Overwhelmed, Kristin Johnson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Public Health Code allows a 60-day grace period for license renewal with late fees and CE requirements. For health insurance options, MDA Insurance provides assistance and quotes. Attend the MDA Health Insurance Seminar on Oct. 25 for more insights. Engage in organized dentistry via local society meetings, the MDA Leadership Forum, and the LEAD Program. MDA Insurance offers Medicare support, including educational events on Sept. 13 and 27. For more details, contact relevant MDA representatives.

The New Professional: Mastering Those Awkward Moments With Patients, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Navigating awkward moments in a dental office is essential for positive patient experiences. Establish rapport with patients, use active listening, and avoid jargon. Prepare for common scenarios, communicate clearly, and address fears. Stay calm with difficult questions and provide honest answers. Train staff through role-play and feedback, and cultivate a positive, empathetic environment. Regularly solicit patient feedback to improve. These strategies ensure patients feel valued and supported.

Mda Insurance: At Last – A Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Policy That Can Help Pay For Catastrophic Care, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Families face tough caregiving decisions due to high custodial care costs, often resulting in financial and emotional strain. MDA Insurance offers an affordable whole life insurance policy with a catastrophic loss rider, providing $2,000 monthly for up to 12 months for those unable to perform daily living activities. This policy, issued by Boston Mutual Life Insurance, is available on a guaranteed-issue basis and accumulates cash value. Apply by Aug. 30 for an Oct. 1 effective date. Contact MDA Insurance for more information.

J Mich Dent Assoc August 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 stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists.

In the August 2024 issue, the Journal focuses on the 2024 Mission of Mercy event held in Flint Original content includes:

• A cover story on the MOM

• A feature article on Locum Tenens Dentists

• A New Professional Column

• News You Need, an editorial, and regular department articles covering MDA Foundation activities, MDA Services, Dentistry and the Law, and Staff Matters.

Additional feature article …

Mda Foundation Mission Of Mercy: Transforming Lives, Relieving Pain, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation's Mission of Mercy (MOM) dental clinic in Flint provided free dental care to 659 patients over June 14-15, delivering 6,678 procedures valued at $1,156,285. The 120-chair clinic, set up by volunteers, saw patients from 35 Michigan counties and neighboring states. Patients, many of whom queued overnight, received an average of ten procedures each. Volunteers, including retired dentists, performed a wide range of services, from cleanings to complex surgeries. Translators were available to assist non-English speakers, and patients were informed about ongoing free or reduced-cost care options. The event, supported by local donations and community services, will continue …

Staff Matters: Assessing Health Benefits For Lgbtq+ Employees, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

To support LGBTQ+ employees, understand your health benefits by asking key questions about domestic partner coverage, mental health benefits, transgender healthcare, IVF, and surrogacy coverage, and identifying LGBTQ+-friendly providers. Regularly check in with staff to ensure benefits meet their needs and consider making changes if necessary. Proactively share benefit information throughout the year to enhance employee recruitment, retention, and engagement.

Dentistry And The Law: Don’T Overlook Corporate Transparency Act Compliance, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), entities existing as of January 1, 2024, must report beneficial ownership to FinCEN by December 31, 2024. Beneficial owners include those with 25% ownership or substantial control. Required information includes legal name, birthdate, address, and ID details. Non-compliance can result in severe civil and criminal penalties. Exceptions may apply for tax-exempt entities and large companies. Legal challenges to the CTA are ongoing, but compliance is advised.

Locum Tenens Dentists: You May Need One, Or You May Be One, Angie Kanazeh

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Locum tenens dentists temporarily fulfill the duties of an absent or short-staffed dentist. This practice is beneficial for both hiring dentists and those serving as locum tenens. For hiring dentists, considerations include ensuring the locum tenens dentist is properly licensed, credentialed with insurance networks, and adequately insured. For locum tenens dentists, benefits include flexible schedules, diverse experiences, networking opportunities, and potential higher earnings. Both parties should have clear agreements and consult with healthcare attorneys. The demand for locum tenens dentists is growing, offering valuable support in the dental community.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

  ---

  Go to article

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here Are The Mda Award Winners For 2024, David Foe Ma Cde

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) awarded outstanding individuals and organizations in 2024, highlighting dedication to dentistry and community service. Notable winners include Dr. Richard Charlick, honored for decades of teaching and mission work, Dr. Daniel Miller for leadership across dentistry, and Dr. Michael Haddow and Scott Ward for exceptional public service. Educators Dr. Sarah Tomaka and Dr. Gary Bonior were recognized for their contributions to dental education, while Becky Wooters facilitated dental assistant training at tribal colleges. NDX Dental Art Laboratory and Dr. Michael Vilag were commended for their work with Donated Dental Services, alongside rising star Dr. Katherine Cramer. …

Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia Progressing To Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report, Magdalena Orlowska Dds, Felipe Nör Dds, Ms, Phd, Robert Eber Dds, Ms, Stephanie Munz Dds, David Tindle Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an uncommon type of oral leukoplakia characterized by white patches featuring verrucoid areas. It is a condition of idiopathic origin, displaying a strong tendency to transform into squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, or the newly described particulate carcinoma. PVL is more commonly found in elderly women who have had leukoplakic lesions for many years. Although PVL may be found virtually anywhere in the oral cavity, the buccal mucosa, gingiva, and tongue are the most common sites. In this case, we describe a lesion of this nature found in an elderly male patient. PVL is difficult …