Leadership Commons^™

What Is A Standard? Perspectives On Acd’S Standards For Leadership In Oral Healthcare, N. Karl Haden Phd, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The American College of Dentists’ new Standards for Leadership in Oral Healthcare mark the first attempt in dentistry to articulate standards specifically for leadership, complementing the broader orientation offered by the Ethics Handbook for Dentistry. This article explores the basic question, “What is a standard?” Close reading of the document indicates at least three distinct but related senses of the term: an expectation, a norm, and a guiding principle. The article offers an interpretation of how these three senses fit together coherently. Referencing the Handbook, the article argues that the leadership standards are most impactful only when habituated, when practiced …

American College Of Dentists Team Leadership Standards, Julie Connolly Dds Mph Ms Facd, Sreenivas Koka Dds Ms Phd Mba Mas Facd Fcgdent

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Leadership standards elevate the profession of dentistry by establishing how leaders can be effective and impactful. The American College of Dentists presents 10 carefully curated team leadership standards that serve as guiding principles for team leaders in dental settings. When these standards are followed, leaders increase the likelihood of creating and sustaining a high-performing, mission-focused team. The importance of each standard is described and, where appropriate, examples are provided.

Standards For Leadership In Oral Healthcare: Applying Local And Regional Standards In Practice, Teresa A. Dolan Dds, Mph, Facd, Robin Henderson Dds, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The dental profession has well-established standards governing clinical practice, education, and research, yet has lacked comparable standards to guide leadership behavior. The American College of Dentists (ACD) Standards for Leadership in Oral Healthcare Task Force developed a comprehensive framework spanning four levels: 1) core; 2) team; 3) local and regional; and 4) national and international. This article describes the local and regional standards, which include 10 standards organized into three themes—Building Foundation, Leading with Purpose, and Developing Others—and their application through interactive workshops at the ACD Spring Leadership Conference 2026. Using structured role-playing exercises, Section leaders and Regents stress-tested the …

J Am Coll Dent 2026 92 2b

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This special issue of the Journal of the American College of Dentists responds to a growing but long-underrecognized demand for humanities and ethics in dental education, practice, and scholarship. It emerges from the work of the National Collaborative on Humanities and Ethics in Dentistry (NCHED), a multi-institutional partnership formed in 2023 to address the persistent exclusion of dentistry from broader health humanities conversations. Through national webinars and scholarly collaboration, NCHED has demonstrated substantial interest in ethical reflection, historical analysis, narrative inquiry, and the arts as essential to understanding oral health and dental care.

The unexpectedly strong response to the call …

Evaluating The Burnout Mitigating Effects Of A Structured Mentorship Program In Newly Hired Advanced Practice Providers, Melissa Soper

DNP Projects

Importance: Burnout is a leading driver of clinician intent to leave, lower productivity, increased medical errors, and increased resource use.

Objective: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effects of an evidence-based mentorship program on newly hired advanced practice providers’ (APPs’) level of stress, burnout, and professional fulfillment.

Results: At baseline, APPs demonstrated higher stress levels, moderate professional fulfillment, and low burnout. Outcomes showed improvement at the end of a mentorship program.

Conclusion: Longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine the true effect of a 6-month mentorship intervention on APP burnout, stress, and professional fulfillment.

Unpacking And Re-Imagining Dental Ethics With Anti-Oppressive And Interdisciplinary Praxis, Eleanor Fleming Phd, Dds, Mph, Ficd, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Dental ethics are assumed to be neutral in their intent. With a social contract grounded in liberalism and assumptions centering whiteness, the resulting ethics reinforce hierarchy, otherness, and inequities. Because concepts and practices are rarely neutral, dental ethics is embedded with biases, which results in it falling short of the demands of the 21st century and exacerbating health inequities rather than supporting efforts for health justice. This manuscript invites the reader to reflect critically and re-imagine dental ethics using anti-oppressive and interdisciplinary praxis. For the improvement of public health, the narrowing of inequities, and a functioning oral health system, the …

(Not So) Common Courtesy, Michael Saba

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This article features a monthly column from the Macomb Dental Society's editor, Dr. Michael Saba. This month Dr. Saba shares a story that reminds readers to both be courteous and to enforce it early with patients.

Happy New Year To You And Your Team!, Kyle Katynski Dds

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This article features a monthly column from the Macomb Dental Society President, Dr. Kyle Katynski. This month Dr. Katynski discusses reoccurring themes from 2025, such as simplifying, and lessons from the past year.

How Dentists Can Remain Advisors Of Merit To Their Patients, Daniel L. Orr Ii, Dds, Ms (Anesth), Phd, Jd, Md, Facd (Nevada Section Chair)

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This article examines how members of the dental profession can sustain their longstanding reputation as trusted advisors amid declining public confidence in major institutions. Grounded in ethical principles, informed consent, and professional self-regulation, dentistry has historically ranked among the most trusted professions. The discussion explores challenges to credibility, including media scrutiny, concerns about anesthesia safety, controversial treatment hesitancy, and debates over community water fluoridation. Emphasizing the concept of the “advisor of merit,” the author argues that continued trust depends on truthful communication, transparency about risks, respect for patient autonomy, and freedom from conflicts of interest in clinical and public health …

J Am Coll Dent 2026 92 4

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD) publishes scholarly articles, editorials, essays, and reflections addressing the ethical, professional, and social dimensions of dentistry. The Journal serves as a forum for advancing ethics, professionalism, leadership, and excellence within the dental community. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, JACD provides readers with insights that encourage ethical, professional practice, lifelong learning, and service to the public, reinforcing dentistry’s commitment to advancing oral healthcare and the common good.

Core Standards For Leadership In Oral Healthcare, Sir Nairn H.F. Wilson Cbe Dsc(H.C.) Ddent(H.C.) Phd Msc Bds Fcgdent Fds Rcs Edin, Eng(Hon) & Rcps Glasg(Hon) Ffd Rcsi(Hon) Fcdshk(Hon) Fracds(Hon) Drd Fhea Facd Ficd Fadm Fpfa Frsm Fkc

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This article introduces the American College of Dentists’ core standards for leadership in oral healthcare, grounded in well-established ethical principles and in response to ever-increasing expectations for patient-first care. It is suggested that the new standards must be consistently upheld to maintain patient trust and professional credibility. Effective leadership, in contrast to management, improves patient engagement and outcomes, team performance, and resilience. The article calls for more leadership training in dentistry, beginning in dental schools, and highlights the need for effective leadership in oral healthcare to strengthen the profession’s standing and status.

Standards For Leadership In Oral Health Care. A Project Of The Board Of Regents Of The American College Of Dentists, Robert A. Faiella Dmd, Mmsc., Mba, Teresa A. Dolan Dds, Mph, Facd, N. Karl Haden Phd, Facd, Sreenivas Koka Dds, Ms, Phd, Mba, Mas, Facd, Sir Nairn H.F. Wilson Cbe Dsc(H.C.) Ddent(H.C.) Phd Msc Bds Fcgdent Fds Rcs Edin, Eng(Hon) & Rcps Glasg(Hon) Ffd Rcsi(Hon) Fcdshk(Hon) Fracds(Hon) Drd Fhea Facd Ficd Fadm Fpfa Frsm Fkc

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This section of the Journal of the American College of Dentists presents professional conference proceedings and/or published guidelines relevant to dentistry, ethics, education, leadership, policy, or clinical care. Conference proceedings may also include documents from affiliate organizations in dentistry.

Empathy And Human-Centered Leadership In Community Health Center Dental Clinics, Pamela S. Alston Dds, Mpp, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

A person-centered approach, with empathy toward patients, can improve satisfaction among both patients and dental health professionals. A dental director with a human-centered leadership style can improve the well-being of oral health team members. This article describes the role that empathy, a core value of humanism and professionalism, plays in accomplishing these improvements in community health center dental clinics. This article also describes the risks of empathy, as experienced by the author in her role as a dental director and practitioner, as well as documented in the literature. It further focuses on dental directors’ human-centered approaches to supporting oral health …

Enhancing Military Health System Organizational Efficiency And Quality Of Care Through A Social-Ecological Framework, Eric L. Peipelman

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Timely and fair adjudication of incivility-related actions within the Department of Defense (DoD) and Military Health System (MHS) is increasingly crucial for maintaining accountability, mission readiness, and quality of care. Ongoing delays in resolving workplace complaints and inefficiencies in resource-heavy adjudications highlight the need to shift from reactive complaint handling toward proactive civility promotion and transparent decision-making. This Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) introduces the Peipelman Civility Discussion and Assessment Toolkit (PCDAT)—a comprehensive, evidence-based framework designed to improve civility, optimize resources, and enhance communication, even in the MHS. Based on the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) and adapted from the Workplace Power and …

The New Professional: The Legacy Of Women In Dentistry, And Your Place In It, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Women now constitute over half of dental graduates, transforming the profession’s culture and leadership. While women hold a majority of seats on the MDA Board of Trustees, wage disparities, underrepresentation in certain specialties, and work-life balance pressures remain challenges. The author emphasizes that the legacy of women in dentistry is an active, evolving force. New professionals have the opportunity and responsibility to advance this legacy by engaging in mentorship, advocating for fair workplace policies, pursuing ownership, and serving as role models. This ensures the profession is defined by opportunities rather than barriers.

Another Study Club??, Chris Gorecki Dds

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

Membership value within professional dental organizations remains a critical issue as local and state societies face declining market shares, often below 40 percent. In contrast, the Macomb Dental Society currently maintains a market share of approximately 63 percent, underscoring both its relative strength and the need for continued innovation. Historically, membership was driven by professional obligation; however, newer dentists, burdened by financial pressures, are less likely to renew without clear demonstration of tangible benefits. To address this challenge, the Macomb Dental Society has explored initiatives that enhance member engagement, including leveraging existing study clubs as a conduit for continuing education …

J Am Coll Dent 2025 92 1

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD) publishes scholarly articles, editorials, essays, and reflections addressing the ethical, professional, and social dimensions of dentistry. The Journal serves as a forum for advancing ethics, professionalism, leadership, and excellence within the dental community. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, JACD provides readers with insights that encourage ethical, professional practice, lifelong learning, and service to the public, reinforcing dentistry’s commitment to advancing oral healthcare and the common good.

Followership Theory In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence: A Phenomenological Study Of How The Integration Of Ai Into An Ai-Human Hybrid Cancer Research Team Affects Followership Characteristics, John F. Carrera

PhD in Organizational Leadership

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of cancer research teams, helping with data analysis, pattern recognition, and decision support. Although AI changes how work is completed, little is known about how AI changes how followers adapt when AI becomes part of the team. This study examined how AI influences followership characteristics within AIhuman hybrid cancer research teams. A qualitative phenomenological research design was used to explore the lived experiences of nine cancer research professionals who interacted with AI as part of their routine work. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed through multiple rounds of qualitative coding to find …

News You Need: How Many Of These Ada/Mda Practice Resources Are You Using?

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This October, MDA offers updates and resources including support for human resources, ongoing education, and professional tools. Michigan was selected for the Medicaid Oral Health Workforce Implementation Learning Series to enhance access to care. The MDA launched HERM-E, an AI-powered digital assistant providing 24/7 access to resources and quick answers. Supporting chairside advocacy for community water fluoridation, the News reports that a national survey indicates 81% of Americans support or are neutral about water fluoridation. Applications are now open for the 2026 MDA LEAD Program, and nominations are being accepted for MDA awards and leadership positions. The News column further …

J Mich Dent Assoc October 2025

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+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADACommons. The October 2025 (Volume 107, No. 10) issue of the Journal is published in a digital-only format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions will resume in November. The October issue highlights the critical importance of advocacy through the MDA Dental Political Action Committee (PAC) and provides practical, management-focused information …

The New Professional: What New And Associate Dentists Need To Know About Ai, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article outlines the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry, particularly for newer professionals. AI's applications span radiographic analysis (identifying pathologies, enhancing diagnostic precision), treatment planning (simulating outcomes, designing aligners), and streamlining administrative tasks (voice recognition for notes, optimized scheduling). The author emphasizes that AI should be viewed as an augmentative tool to human capabilities, not a replacement for clinical judgment, especially in complex cases. It also highlights the critical considerations of data privacy (HIPAA compliance) and the enduring value of the relationship-driven nature of dentistry. Ultimately, the most successful dentists will be those who combine emerging technologies …

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

The September issue marks the return to a hybrid publishing schedule, with print issues published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September, and November, and online-only digital issues in February, April, June, August, October, and December. This return to print follows a suspension in May due to association-wide financial issues, with the MDA Board of Trustees approving changes in the 2025 budget to …

Dean’S Report: Detroit Mercy Dental - Dental Schools — Safeguarding The Future Of Oral Health, Mert N. Aksu Dds, Jd, Mhsa, Cert. Dph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This report from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry highlights its mission to prepare students as clinicians, leaders, and advocates for public health and equitable access to care, emphasizing evidence-based practices and community service. It addresses critical public health measures like community water fluoridation and HPV vaccination, advocating for policies that protect oral health. The report notes concerns over proposed Michigan Medicaid dental program changes that could burden dental schools with increased uncompensated and emergency care. Initiatives to meet workforce needs include the new Detroit Mercy Dental Vermont Track and community-based education programs, which provided care to over …

Illuminating Leadership Excellence: An Evidence-Based Qi Intervention Reigniting Nurse Leaders From Burnout To Brilliance Using Caring Science And Reflective Practice, Matthew S. Elliott

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: A 2024 assessment at a 250‑bed Northern California medical center revealed that 76% of 16 inpatient nurse leaders met "high‑burnout" criteria on the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and leader turnover had climbed to 25%, more than triple national benchmarks, threatening patient care quality, financial stability, and alignment with Magnet® and employee engagement goals.

Context: Root causes included pandemic‑era promotions without development support, a task‑oriented leadership culture, and eroding psychological safety (Press Ganey engagement ≈ 30%). An integrative logic model positioned Watson's Caring Science as the theoretical base, Schön's Reflective Model for adaptive learning, and the Prosci ADKAR change framework …

Engaging In Movement At Work: Exploring Engagement And Physical Activity., Spencer A. Cavan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High levels of employee engagement provide organizations competitive advantages such as increased customer satisfaction, profits, and employee productivity. Despite potential benefits, the number of engaged employees is declining and organizations need to find innovative ways to enhance engagement. Emerging evidence suggests workplace physical activity may generate organizational benefits extending beyond health improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of engagement among employees participating in a physical activity intervention at work. A qualitative design, guided by phenomenology, examined perceptions of workplace physical activity and perceived levels of engagement, as well as constraints related to involvement among university …

The Impact Of Culture And Language On Internal Communication And Patient Care In Small To Medium-Sized Black Immigrant-Owned Healthcare Practices In Texas., Chisom Nwosu

Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study explored how cultural competency in small to medium-sized Black immigrant-owned healthcare practices in Texas affects internal communication and patient care. Through semi-structured interviews with nine clinical and administrative leaders in Dallas and Houston, five themes emerged: culturally competent leadership, intentional communication structures, language and interpretation practices, patient-centered cultural sensitivity, and the use of technology for adaptation. Findings suggest that culturally aware leadership and inclusive communication strategies foster team cohesion and improve patient trust and care. Participants reported adapting workflows to meet religious, language, and communication needs through human and technological tools. The study underscores embedding cultural …

Mda Services: Endorsed Programs News

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Throughh MDA Services, the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) has announced several endorsed programs aimed at supporting dental practices across Michigan: Compass Dental Gas Service is now endorsed by the MDA for its expertise in installing, maintaining, and repairing dental gas systems. Members benefit from exclusive discounts and safety compliance support. MEDVA Virtual Staffing offers HIPAA-compliant, human virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks remotely. This service helps reduce labor costs and allows in-office staff to focus on patient care. MDA Health Plan sponsors are reminded to submit overdue eligibility verification documents, which are essential for compliance and 2026 renewal preparations. DBS …

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.

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

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 …