Leadership Commons^™

The Mda Member Assistance Program: Real Help When You Need It, Lisa Knowles Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This health and well-being feature focuses on the MDA Member Assistance Program, an invaluable resource for dentists navigating the myriad challenges of professional and personal life. The author shares personal experiences and testimonials, highlighting the diverse benefits offered by the program, from mental health counseling to work-life resources. The article emphasizes the program's accessibility, confidentiality, and the wide range of topics it addresses, making it a crucial tool for dentists seeking support and guidance.

We’Re In This Together, So Be The Best Human You Can Be, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The editorial reflects on the shared human experiences that bind us together, using a travel delay as a backdrop. The author highlights personal growth during a trip to Europe and emphasizes the importance of common bonds among people, whether through travel, education, or shared moments. The narrative urges readers to step out of their comfort zones and be compassionate, contributing to a happier and more connected world.

Staff Matters: Do I Really Need An Employee Handbook?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article underscores the importance of having an employee handbook for even small practices. It emphasizes the handbook as a crucial tool for communicating expectations, providing a defense against employment claims, and ensuring legal compliance. The author advises on essential policies related to legal requirements, "At-Will" status, conduct, compensation, benefits, communication, attendance, and discipline. The article stresses the significance of well-crafted policies to avoid confusion and legal liabilities, recommending professional review before implementation.

J Mich Dent Assoc February 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

• The February issue previews the 2024 Annual Session in Lansing, highlighting 61 courses, 48 speakers, and Michigan’s largest dental exhibit hall
• A Feature article on The MDA Member Assistance Program: Real Help When You Need It
• News You Need, including The MDA announcement of John Tramontana as the new CEO/executive director
• The MDA Student Debt Resource Center
• Updates on the MDA website refresh
• Celebrating National Children’s …

Dentistry And The Law: When Must A Data Breach Be Reported?, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This dentistry and the law column addresses the necessity of reporting a potential HIPAA data breach involving missing patient records. The author explains the criteria outlined in the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule and emphasizes the importance of a thorough risk assessment. The dentist must evaluate the nature of the protected health information and whether an unauthorized person acquired it. The article details the steps for reporting, including individual notices to affected patients and the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, with distinctions based on the number of individuals affected.

Advocacy Spotlight: 2024 Regulatory Reminders, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Advocacy Spotlight column delves into critical regulatory reminders for dentists in 2024, emphasizing compliance challenges and potential disruptions to practice. Key areas covered include licensing, amalgam separator renewal, electronic prescribing, and Beneficial Ownership Information reporting. The article stresses the importance of staying informed about evolving regulations to ensure seamless practice operations.

Understanding Neurodiversity And Executive Disfunction To Discover More Effective Accommodations And Create A More Inclusive Workforce For Neurodivergent Individuals, Carley Dahlstrom

Honors Theses and Capstones

The goal of this paper is twofold. One: understand executive disfunction to gain a broader understanding of neurodiversity and the challenges those with neurodiversity face in the workforce. And two: research different accommodations to combat executive disfunction and evaluate their effectiveness. To accomplish these goals, an extensive literature review was conducted to understand neurodiversity, executive disfunction, government requirements relating to accommodations, and an exploration of current accommodations available. Additionally, research was conducted in the form of interviews and a survey to expand and add to the overall understanding of this research area.

Results of the survey indicate an overall lack …

Towards Gender Equality In Ocean Science And Ocean Governance: Gender Equality Strategy And Action Plan For Ocean-Related Institutions, World Maritime University, Fisheries And Oceans Canada

Reports

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), hereinafter ‘the Ocean Decade’, seeks to catalyse transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and our ocean. To fulfil the Decade’s mission, barriers to achieving gender, geographic, institutional, discipline and generational balance will need to be systematically identified and dismantled if no one is to be left behind.

In this regard, the World Maritime University (WMU) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) have been implementing the Empowering Women for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development Programme (the Programme), with the purpose of advancing …

Advocacy Spotlight: Telehealth Regulations For Dentistry Established, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article discusses the rise of telehealth in the last three years and its implications for dentistry, focusing on recent rulemaking by the Michigan Board of Dentistry. The regulations address key aspects such as definitions, informed consent, scope of practice, and prescribing medications. Dentists must comply with HIPAA and state/federal privacy regulations when using telehealth. Notably, the rules restrict teledentistry delegation to allied personnel after an in-person visit within 24 months. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding and following these regulations for legal telehealth use, reimbursement, and malpractice coverage. The Michigan Dental Association advocates for sensible teledentistry laws to …

Staff Matters: Are There Risks To Using Ai In Our Practice?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

As your practice adopts AI for hiring processes, it brings efficiency but also potential pitfalls. The increasing use of AI, such as ChatGPT, streamlines tasks like resume screening, but caution is essential. Recent executive orders emphasize safety assessments and civil rights in AI. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission focuses on transparency and consent in recruitment AI use. Legal compliance is vital to prevent discrimination; criteria like education and experience must be applied consistently. Additionally, employee monitoring AI requires careful implementation, ensuring transparency and human oversight. While AI offers benefits, its workplace integration demands careful consideration, testing, and ongoing evaluation.

Mda Services: Yes, You Can Recoup Your Dues With Mda-Endorsed Programs, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

MDA Services Report highlights how being an organized dentistry member can yield significant financial returns through MDA-endorsed products and services. By leveraging just eight of the 32 endorsed offerings, potential savings of $25,659 are achievable. Key endorsed services include Best Card for credit card processing, iCoreConnect for software needs, Quality Dental Plan for in-office dental plans, The Dentists Supply Company (TDSC.com) for supplies, ProSites for website and e-marketing, D-MMEX Easyrefine for precious metal refining, Eagle Associates for regulatory compliance, and Dental Business Specialists for accounting. Members are urged to explore the range of endorsed programs for comprehensive benefits.

Pediatric Dentists’ Considerations Concerning Obesity-Related Education For Parents Of Young Children: Who Should Educate About What, How And When?, Arianne Swanson Dds, Ms, James R. Boynton Dds, Ms, Larry B. Salzmann Dds, Yu-Ju Yang Dds, Marita R. Inglehart Dipl. Psych., Dr. Phil., Dr. Phil. Habil

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This study aimed to explore pediatric dentists' perspectives on obesity-related interventions for parents of young children. A web-based survey was administered to 210 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry members. Findings revealed that respondents considered it important for various healthcare professionals, especially pediatricians and nurse practitioners, to engage in obesity-related parent education. Strong consensus existed on educating parents about the link between early childhood caries and diet, soft drink and fruit juice consumption, and healthy snacking. The study also found positive attitudes correlated with increased engagement in objective weight determination, data collection, and diet/nutrition counseling.

Ada Report: Ada Board Discusses Membership, Looks Ahead To 2024, Michele Tulak-Gorecki Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The ADA Board of Trustees' annual retreat prioritized board development, emphasizing individual strengths and effective communication. Key topics included the Tripartite Membership Model Pilot, a dental school collaboration strategy, and sponsorship for the National Academies of Medicine Oral Health Project. Updates from ADA leaders highlighted initiatives like the Lessons in a Lunchbox program, ADA app improvements, legislative support for young dentists, and workforce solutions. The report concludes with a call to share the ADA story and promote collaboration.

Silver Diamine Fluoride As A Caries Management Option For The Young Child, Giovana Anovazzi Medeiros Dds, Msc, Phd, Chia-En Tsai Dds, Ms, Nita Singh Dds, James R. Boynton Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dental caries is among the most-common childhood diseases around the world, and neglected caries can result in pain, infection, and can have a negative cascading impact on a child’s overall well-being. Definitive care of these lesions involves restorative procedures and/or extractions, but these treatment options require some level of child cooperation, which can sometimes be a challenge with very young children.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive treatment intended to arrest the caries process. SDF is a liquid solution that contains a high concentration of silver and fluoride ions and has been used as an alternative agent for treating …

Staying Focused On A Moving Target: Coping With Change, North Shetter Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Amid rapid changes in dentistry, this commentary addresses strategies to manage stress and maintain professional balance. Drawing parallels to Moore's Law in technology, the author emphasizes the need for a balanced life, integrating work, play, love, and worship. The concept, rooted in the Pankey Philosophy, aligns with principles from Stephen Covey's Seven Habits. Core skills, including patient relationships, foundational dental practices, periodontal health, occlusion, and perpetual learning, are deemed essential. The article underscores the importance of personal dental health and advocates for study clubs to share, learn, and mentor, fostering a positive professional environment amid evolving technologies and information overload.

Setting The Foundation For A Lifetime Of Oral Health, Samuel Blanchard Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this Children’s Dental Health Month article, the Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry emphasizes the crucial role of relationships and trust in pediatric dentistry. Highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts between dental societies, the commentary discusses the impact of professional connections on patient care. The author shares personal insights on transitioning in their career, underscoring the value of cultivated relationships. The age-1 dental visit is highlighted as a powerful preventive measure to establish rapport and empower parents with oral health knowledge. The article emphasizes the enduring benefits of building connections in promoting lifelong oral health.

Dentistry And The Law: Know The Facts About Noncompete And Liquidated Damages Agreements, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Navigating dental employment agreements involves understanding the enforceability of non-compete and liquidated damages provisions. While these aim to protect the employer's business, courts may scrutinize their reasonability. In Michigan, noncompete terms of two years or less are generally deemed reasonable, and the restricted area must align with the patient base. A $15,000 liquidated damages amount per patient might face challenges, as it should relate reasonably to actual damages. Courts may also consider equitable factors and the employer's adherence to the agreement. Both employers and employees benefit from reasonable restrictions, avoiding potential legal disputes.

The Pacesetter Style Of Leadership, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial explores the pacesetter leadership style, likening it to a marathon "rabbit" setting a fast pace. Pacesetters, exemplified by figures like Jack Welch and James Cameron, set ambitious goals, driving themselves and their teams relentlessly. While effective in achieving short-term goals and maximizing team potential, drawbacks include employee stress, lack of feedback, and a "rat race" atmosphere. The author, a self-identified pacesetter with a compassionate approach, emphasizes the importance of balancing high standards with employee well-being for sustained success.

J Mich Dent Assoc January 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

The January issue sets the foundation for Children’s Dental Health Month in February, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover commentary on Pediatric Dentistry
• A feature article on “Silver Diamine Fluoride as a Caries Management Option for the Young Child”.
• A feature on “Considerations Concerning Obesity-Related Education for Parents of Young Children”.
• Professional advice commentary on “Staying Focused on a Moving Target: Coping …

Mda Foundation: 2024 Promises Great Things From The Mda Foundation, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation is making significant strides in supporting dental and hygiene students and the community. In a recent announcement, 12 scholarships totaling $31,000 were awarded, thanks to donor generosity. The Foundation's upcoming Sparkling Smiles Celebration will provide an opportunity to meet scholarship recipients and acknowledge donors. The primary focus in June will be the Mission of Mercy event in Flint, aiming to offer essential dental care to up to 2,000 individuals. Volunteers are encouraged to participate, and financial support can be pledged online. Ongoing efforts include fundraising for the Karen Burgess Scholarship Endowment and the upcoming MDA Foundation golf …

Toxic Leadership: Managerial Implications For Tourism And Hospitality Business, Alessandro Cavelzani

ICHRIE Research Reports

There is growing attention on research about dysfunctional management issues, specifically regarding toxic leadership, which lead to deleterious consequences in business. When a leader enacts toxic behaviors rather than providing support and realistic directions, it will cause severe stress, burnout, and passive-aggressive dynamics on their team, negatively affecting guest experiences. Therefore, this transactional paper aims at developing managers’ awareness of the toxic leadership issue, enlightening how to recognize and detect it. Also, to contribute to reducing job stress and promoting mental health at the workplace, we suggest some recommendations on how companies can handle the toxic leadership phenomenon by enhancing …

Coworkers And Leaders: The Relationship Between Trustworthiness, Trust, And Employee Engagement, Lianne Young

Dissertations

A highly engaged workforce provides numerous organizational and individual benefits (Shuck et al., 2016), the culmination of which leads to a competitive advantage difficult to emulate (Burke et al., 2013). It remains challenging to understand how engagement develops, with little research available explaining the process (Shuck, 2020). High employee engagement levels provide a competitive advantage, but stagnant engagement levels remain a significant obstacle (Shuck, 2020).

Shuck (2020) recommends further research focusing on methods to increase engagement. Trustworthiness and trust are antecedents and drivers of engagement (Chughtai & Buckley, 2008; Federman, 2010; SHRM, 2017). A lack of trust has negative impacts …

A Holistic Approach To Leadership Development And Self-Efficacy For Frontline Managers, Alberta Green

Dissertations

According to Clifton and Harter (2019), managers determine an organization’s success. Specifically, managers determine 70% of worker engagement. Researchers (Bandura, 1997; Dwyer, 2019) have associated self-efficacy with leadership strengths. As such, frontline managers (FLMs) need holistic leadership development (HLD) training in the four leadership domains—analytic, conceptual, emotional, and spiritual—to improve their competencies and bolster their self-efficacy (Clifton & Harter, 2019; Ward, 2018). Integrative leadership development models that prioritize organizational resources through holistic leadership development offer a modern approach to addressing FLMs’ leadership skill development and self-efficacy (Guidi et al., 2018). According to Bandura (1997), self-efficacy is how individuals evaluate their …

Dentistry And The Law: Requiring Proof Of Adoption/Retaining Orthodontic Models, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this Dentistry and the Law column, a dentist seeks guidance on handling a situation where racial differences between a child and an accompanying adult raised concerns during an examination, leading the dentist to request proof of adoption. The response clarifies that asking for proof of adoption is not illegal, citing relevant Michigan adoption statutes. The column advises adopting an office policy, emphasizing human trafficking training. Additionally, a dentist inquires about retaining orthodontic models and X-ray films. The answer recommends assuming orthodontic models are part of dental records, subject to a 10-year retention period. Patients can be given their models, …

Endodontic Therapy, Crown Amputation, And Soft Tissue Advancement To Treat A Hopeless Tooth, Timothy Daws Dds, Thomas Bolten Dds, Md

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Managing patients with a history of intravenous bisphosphonates and antiresorptive medications poses challenges in clinical decision-making. Extractions are generally discouraged in these patients due to the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This case study presents an 89-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer on Xgeva, facing a non-restorable tooth (#30). A collaborative approach involving the general dentist, endodontist, and oral surgeon employed endodontic therapy, crown amputation, and soft tissue advancement, avoiding extraction. The technique, akin to coronectomy, mitigates MRONJ risk by preserving bone integrity. Follow-up assessments indicate successful treatment without complications, highlighting the efficacy of this approach in …

Be A Leader In Your Practice: What’S Your Style?, William Chase Dds, Maom

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this Leadership Development feature, the author draws from a wealth of leadership experience in Rotary to explore the importance of leadership in dentistry. Emphasizing the need for self-evaluation through emotional intelligence, the article delves into five key aspects: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. The author introduces three leadership styles — Transformational Leadership, Situational Leadership, and Servant Leadership — highlighting their characteristics and benefits. Encouraging readers to adopt diverse leadership styles, the piece underlines the significance of effective leadership in dental practice, community engagement, and organized dentistry.

New Dentists’ Most-Asked Legal Questions, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature addresses new dentists' most frequently asked legal questions, offering concise answers to guide them. Topics include licensing requirements, dental record maintenance, accommodations for hearing-impaired and non-English proficient patients, the enforceability of covenants not to compete, the necessity of written employment agreements, responding to bad dental work, reporting suspected abuse, prescribing drugs to friends and family, contract terms with dental plans, and handling suspected employee theft. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding legal aspects to navigate a dental career successfully.

Staff Matters: Holiday Celebrations That Engage And Appreciate Employees, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Staff Matters column addresses a dentist's concerns about organizing inclusive end-of-year holiday celebrations for the staff. The response emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse religious practices and fostering camaraderie. Suggestions include a themed recipe exchange, outdoor activities, community service, or involving staff in event planning. Emphasizing the need for initial guidance to align with goals, the column encourages inclusive celebrations that contribute to staff satisfaction, retention, and a positive workplace atmosphere.

Mda Workforce Survey Results Are In: Answers And Opportunities, Eric Knudsen Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This President's Message addresses critical workforce challenges in dentistry based on the Michigan Dental Association's (MDA) recent workforce survey. The survey identifies significant issues such as the shortage of dental professionals, wage stagnation, and the impact of retirement trends on the dental labor market. Findings indicate a need for immediate solutions, leading the MDA to develop initiatives targeting the return of registered dental assistants (RDAs) and registered dental hygienists (RDHs) to the workforce. The survey results emphasize the importance of competitive wages and desirable benefits to attract and retain dental staff. The MDA plans targeted advertising and free job postings …

J Mich Dent Assoc December 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following:

• A cover story on “New Dentists’ Most Asked Legal Questions”
• A case report on “Endodontic Therapy, Crown Amputation, and Soft Tissue Advancement to Treat a Hopeless Tooth”
• A feature “Be a Leader in Your Practice: What’s Your Style?”
• 2023 Author/Title Index to the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association
• News you need, a Guest Editorial and regular …