Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons^™

Artificial Intelligence Will Never Feel What We Feel, Michelle C. Dziurgot D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The editorial discusses the fundamental difference between human emotions and artificial intelligence, using "The Jetsons" character Rosie as a metaphor. While acknowledging AI's superior performance in certain tasks and its growing industry presence, the author emphasizes that AI lacks true feelings and cognitive common sense. The piece argues that while AI is a valuable tool for enhancing productivity and bridging skill gaps, it should be embraced as an aid rather than a replacement for human emotional intelligence.

The New Professional: Best Practices For Leaving A Job: A Guide To A Smooth Transition, Amrita Patel D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article provides guidance for associate dentists on executing a professional job transition. It emphasizes the importance of careful decision-making, thorough contract review, and maintaining professional relationships throughout the resignation process. Key recommendations include evaluating the decision objectively, understanding contractual obligations, providing appropriate notice, documenting ongoing patient care, and maintaining a positive attitude. The article stresses that a well-managed departure can protect one's professional reputation and future career opportunities.

Mda Foundation: Mda Foundation Grant Helps Keep U.P. Free Clinic’S Doors Open, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article highlights the CareFree Dental Clinic of Dickinson and Florence Counties, a volunteer-run free dental clinic in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Founded by the Fornetti family in 2010, the clinic received a $12,500 MDA Foundation grant in 2024. The clinic has served 1,878 patients over 12 years, providing emergency dental care to uninsured individuals and veterans. Despite challenges including COVID-19 and volunteer recruitment, the clinic continues to provide comprehensive care through an appointment-based system.

Online Reviews: Myths, Tips, And Tricks, Anish Gupta D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Online reviews are a source of reputation marketing which are valuable to the practice of dentistry. Reviews bring patients in and provide social proof for your practice. We discuss what makes a good review, tips to get reviews, and dispel certain myths regarding online reviews.

Build Your Practice With Dental Revenue Cycle Management, Robert Mcdermott

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the essential role of Dental Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) in ensuring the financial success and sustainability of a dental practice. Many dentists, especially those new to solo practice, struggle with managing the business side of dentistry, particularly the complexities of RCM. The article outlines the key steps of RCM, including patient scheduling, insurance verification, claims submission, and payment processing, emphasizing how a well-managed system ensures steady cash flow and enhances patient experience. Key challenges in RCM include lack of formal business training, evolving insurance regulations, and the risk of delayed reimbursements, which can threaten a practice’s viability. …

Mda Services: Protect And Maximize Your Practice’S Finances With Help From These Vendors, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article outlines various financial services and solutions available to MDA members through endorsed vendors. These offerings include PPO negotiation services, embezzlement protection, practice financing, employee benefits solutions, credit card rewards programs, precious metal refining, and student loan refinancing options. Each vendor provides specific member discounts or preferential terms, designed to help dental practices optimize their financial operations and profitability.

Mda Insurance: Simple Tips To Improve Your Property’S Insurability, Jeff Spindler Mda Ifg

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article discusses the importance of proactive home maintenance in maintaining property insurability and managing insurance premiums. It highlights how insurance companies are responding to increased claims from weather events, particularly wind and hail damage in Michigan. The author emphasizes that while insurance covers unexpected damage, it doesn't cover normal wear and tear or deferred maintenance. The piece provides six practical tips for homeowners to reduce risk and prevent insurance claims, ultimately helping to stabilize premium rates.

Staff Matters: Onboarding Vs. Orientation: How To Start Employees Off Right, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article distinguishes between employee orientation and onboarding, explaining that onboarding is a more comprehensive, months-long process of integrating new employees into an organization. While orientation is a single-day event focusing on initial introductions and paperwork, proper onboarding encompasses four key stages: pre-boarding, orientation, training and development, and integration. The article emphasizes that investing in a robust onboarding process leads to improved employee satisfaction, faster proficiency, and reduced turnover, ultimately benefiting the practice's bottom line.

J Mich Dent Assoc February 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 6,200+ members. It is the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists. The February issue sets the tone for the MDA’s Annual Meeting, Revving Up Dentistry, this April in Detroit.

A detailed Annual Session Preview is included within the Journal with course listings and activities planned for the four-day event. Regular Departments: News You Need, New Dentist Column, MDA Insurance, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, MDA at your Service, Governmental Affairs, and a Michigan Dental …

Mda Services: These Three Companies Can Help You Establish Your Own Practice, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Starting or acquiring a dental practice is a significant but rewarding endeavor. The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) endorses three key companies to assist dentists in this process: Bank of America Practice Solutions for financing, Bridge Commercial Realty for real estate guidance, and PPO Negotiation Solutions for optimizing insurance participation. These vetted partners offer essential support in securing loans, selecting practice locations, negotiating leases, and managing insurance networks, ensuring dentists establish financially sound and sustainable practices.

The New Professional: The Importance Of Contract Negotiations For Associate Dentists, Amrita Patel D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Associate dentists must carefully negotiate their contracts to secure favorable terms that impact their career trajectory and job satisfaction. Key areas for negotiation include compensation structure, comprehensive benefits, work schedule flexibility, professional development opportunities, and performance expectations. Understanding and negotiating these elements, along with seeking legal counsel for contract review, helps ensure a balanced agreement that protects the dentist's interests while establishing clear expectations for both parties.

The New Professional: Intentional Goal-Setting For 2025, Amrita Patel D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article emphasizes the importance of intentional goal setting, networking, and leadership for new dentists to achieve long-term success. It advocates for setting clear, measurable goals, breaking them into manageable milestones, and focusing on building strong professional relationships. Networking with mentors and peers, engaging in social media, and participating in dental organizations are highlighted as ways to foster growth and opportunities. Leadership roles, even in small capacities like volunteering or joining committees, are seen as critical steps toward personal development and career advancement. These strategies collectively help new dentists establish a solid foundation for achieving their professional aspirations.

J Mich Dent Assoc January 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 6,200+ members. It is the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists. The January issue sets the tone for February, the observance of Children’s Dental Health Month.

Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry President Jessica Bentoski welcomes readers to this special issue, which features a cover feature on “Approaches to Care for Children with Special Needs in Dental Settings: Desensitization and Teledentistry” and a supporting article on “General Dentists’ Education, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior Concerning the Effects …

Young Or Old, Smell The Roses In Your Practice, Michelle C. Dziurgot D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial reflects on the journey of becoming a dentist and the opportunity to inspire the next generation through compassionate care and education. It emphasizes the importance of fostering positive relationships with pediatric patients, using visits to showcase dentistry as a fulfilling career. By encouraging interest in the dental field among young patients and engaging with community programs, dental professionals can nurture future colleagues. The piece also acknowledges challenges, such as overcoming patient fears and misconceptions, and offers strategies for maintaining personal motivation and patient trust. Ultimately, it calls for a balance between professional dedication and personal satisfaction in dentistry.

Staff Matters: Why Are Our Employees Leaving? And How Do We Keep Them?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article addresses the challenges of staff attrition in dental practices, emphasizing its costly impact and the need to understand its causes. Common reasons for attrition include low compensation, high workloads, poor management practices, and lack of career development opportunities. Solutions involve gathering feedback through exit interviews, improving salaries and benefits, balancing workloads, enhancing management styles, and offering career growth. Proactive measures can help retain staff and create a stable, supportive work environment.

Mda Services: Let Your Mda Membership Put Money Back In Your Pocket, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

MDA membership offers significant financial savings through partnerships with endorsed vendors, providing products and services to enhance dental practice success. Members can save over $30,000 annually by utilizing resources like PPO Negotiation Solutions, Best Card for credit processing, ProSites for digital marketing, Eagle Associates for compliance, and iCoreConnect for cloud-based software. Additional discounts are available on dental supplies, accounting, and in-house dental plan administration, among other services. These benefits demonstrate the value of MDA membership in streamlining operations and improving profitability.

Are Leaders Born, Or Made?, William R. Chase D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The debate over whether leaders are born or made persists, but effective leadership often results from a combination of innate traits and learned skills. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate others, while transactional leaders focus on tasks without fostering personal connections. Servant leadership, particularly valued in the dental profession, emphasizes service to others, aligning naturally with patient care. Leadership styles, such as coercive, authoritative, and affiliative, demonstrate the complexity of leadership dynamics. Renowned authors like John C. Maxwell and Daniel Goleman emphasize adaptability and the importance of being a leader whom people want to follow. Effective leadership transcends settings, offering focus, …

The Back Page: The Personal Touch Makes The Difference, Riley Schaff D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Riley Schaff discusses the importance of personal connection in engaging new dentists with organized dentistry. Drawing from his own experience of being personally invited to chair a New Dentist Study Club, he emphasizes that direct, personal outreach is more effective than digital communication in encouraging participation among early-career dentists.

The article highlights ongoing efforts at the state level to increase engagement, including enhanced presence at local events and networking programs. However, Schaff argues that grassroots efforts at the local component level are crucial for significant change in membership rates. He concludes that personal engagement from existing members is essential …

Dentistry And The Law: Overlooked Purchase Agreement Terms, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Selling a dental practice involves numerous legal, financial, and operational considerations. Assembling a team—including a lawyer, accountant, broker, and insurance professional—is crucial for ensuring a smooth transaction. While letters of intent are optional, they help define terms like exclusivity, due diligence, and confidentiality.

Purchase agreements, often drafted by the buyer’s lawyer, should detail asset allocation, tax implications, and handling of accounts receivable. Neglected areas such as work-in-process procedures and rework responsibilities must also be addressed to avoid disputes. Properly planning and negotiating these terms protects both buyer and seller, minimizing post-sale complications and ensuring a seamless transition of ownership.

The New Professional: A Guide To Finding A Mentor As A New Dentist, Amrita Patel D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Patel provides guidance for new dentists on finding and maintaining effective mentoring relationships. She emphasizes that mentors can offer valuable guidance during the transition from dental school to clinical practice. The article explains that mentors need not be exclusively dentists and can be found through various channels, including professional associations, dental societies, alumni networks, and social media platforms. It outlines strategies for identifying potential mentors by observing their clinical skills, professionalism, and leadership styles. The piece concludes with practical advice for maintaining productive mentoring relationships, including setting clear expectations, preparing for meetings, and maintaining consistent communication. The article emphasizes …

Staff Matters: She’S The Life Of The Party?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article addresses how to handle an employee who has displayed inappropriate behavior due to excessive alcohol consumption at work-related social events. The piece outlines a specific case where a dental assistant exhibited problematic drinking behavior at two separate office parties. The response emphasizes that while these were social gatherings, they were work-related events, especially with vendors and referring dentists present. The article provides detailed guidance on documenting incidents, reviewing workplace alcohol policies, and exploring possible courses of action, including disciplinary measures or supporting rehabilitation if needed. It concludes with recommendations for preventing future incidents by reviewing policies with staff …

What You Must Know: Retention And Destruction Of Dental Records And Your Most-Asked Questions About Dental Records, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

An overview of the basic information about dental records, including retention and destruction, that you and your staff should be aware of, provided by MDA Legal Counsel Dan Schulte, J.D. Plus, for your reference, answers to the questions Michigan dental offices are asking about dental record retention, access, release, and destruction.

Dental records are vital for patient care, legal compliance, and professional practice management. Michigan law mandates retaining dental records for a minimum of 10 years, ensuring their confidentiality, accessibility, and integrity. Destruction of records less than 10 years old requires patient notification and authorization, while those over 10 years …

J Mich Dent Assoc December 2024

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 6,200+ members. It stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists.

The December issue includes a timely cover feature on evidence supporting community water fluoridation, a clinical feature answering questions on patient dental records, a guest editorial on leadership by former MDA Journal Editor Dr. Bill Chase, and a Back Page article on how a personal touch makes a difference. We also provide our annual 2024 Author/Title Index and regular departments: The New Professional, …

Your Mda Team: Working For You, John Tramontana Ms, Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month's cover feature introduces the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) team based in Okemos, highlighting their dedication to providing exceptional service and value to MDA members.

The team, many of whom have decades of experience, is always available to answer questions and offer support. With a focus on delivering top-notch service, the MDA staff strives to be the best dental association in the country. The article includes an overview of the team members, their roles, and a helpful "Who to Call" guide for members seeking assistance.

The executive director emphasizes the team's expertise and institutional knowledge, inviting members to reach …

The Back Page: Connection And Support: It’S A Family Thing, Kristen Kemmer Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In March 2023, the author welcomed her second daughter while managing the challenges of being a solo dental practice owner. With a supportive team, family, and a strong network of local dental colleagues, she successfully navigated maternity leave. Her dental team handled patient care seamlessly, and she leaned on friends and fellow practitioners for advice and emergency coverage. Online support and planning helped her manage financially, while collaboration within local dental groups ensured patient needs were met. The experience reinforced the importance of connection, support, and community in balancing motherhood and practice ownership.

Staff Matters: How Much Should We Talk About Pay?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In response to staff questioning pay discrepancies, the article advises conducting a pay audit to ensure consistency and equity across similar roles. While Michigan doesn't require pay transparency, employees can share their pay, and inconsistencies can disrupt compensation structures. Employers should establish market-based salary ranges for each position and avoid exceeding these ranges during negotiations. Sharing salary ranges, not individual pay rates, can help foster trust. The article recommends making any necessary pay adjustments gradually to minimize budget impact, ensuring transparency and fairness in compensation practices.

The New Professional: Starting A Practice Vs. Buying: What’S Right For You?, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month's New Professional column explores the key decision of whether to start a new dental practice or purchase an existing one. Starting a practice offers flexibility in creating a brand and using the latest technology but requires building a patient base from scratch and managing upfront costs. Purchasing an existing practice provides immediate cash flow and an established patient base but requires more upfront investment and adapting to existing systems. Dentists should consider financial readiness, long-term goals, and work-life balance when making this decision.

J Mich Dent Assoc November 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Associationprovides 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. The November issue includes:

• Clinical Feature on discontinuation of lead apron use for dental radiology
• An introduction to the MDA Team and how they can be contacted to serve specific member needs
• A Back Page article on beginning practice and family
• Regular Departments: New Dentist Column, Updates on the MDA Foundation, MDA Services, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters

This month we welcome …

Mda Foundation: How Your Donations Help Support The Vina Dental Clinic -- And Other Programs, Too, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In 2007, Dr. Fredric Bonine and Dr. Sam Daniels founded the VINA Community Dental Center in Brighton, Michigan, to provide affordable dental care to low-income residents. The clinic opened in 2008, charging minimal fees for cleanings and appointments. Serving 1,500 to 2,000 patients annually, the clinic relies on volunteer dentists, partnerships with educational institutions, and grants. Notably, the University of Michigan’s Victors for Veterans program offers free dental care to qualifying veterans. The MDA Foundation supports the clinic through grants, contributing to VINA’s $250,000 annual budget. Donations to the MDA Foundation fund these efforts, ensuring continued access to affordable dental …

Mda Services: Now Is The Time To Assess Your Practice’S Risk Of Embezzlement, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In Healers Versus Stealers (2023), David Harris highlights that dentistry faces over $1 billion in embezzlement annually. Harris, CEO of Prosperident, offers strategies to prevent theft in dental practices. Embezzlement involves not only cash theft but also fraudulent use of payments, payroll manipulation, and misappropriation of supplies. Prosperident provides investigation and preventive services, such as Owner Proactive Strategies, to help dentists safeguard their finances. The MDA endorses Prosperident and offers members discounts and free risk assessments. Orthodontic practices are particularly vulnerable to embezzlement, making preventive measures essential for all dental professionals.