Leadership Commons^™

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

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

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

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

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

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

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

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

J Mich Dent Assoc Sept. 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

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

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

J Mich Dent Assoc August 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

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

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

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

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

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

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

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

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

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

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

J Mich Dent Assoc June 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

The June 2026 (Volume 108, No. 6) issue of the Journal is published in digital format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

The June 2026 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides association updates, legal advice, and clinical …

See These Great Speakers And Their Programs At Annual Session!, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature highlights the speaker lineup and curriculum for the 2026 MDA Annual Session in Grand Rapids. The program offers diverse continuing education tracks for the entire dental team, including pediatric dentistry, oral pathology, risk management, and practice growth strategies. Notable speakers include clinical experts, legal professionals, and motivational keynotes. The document also explains the transition to a simplified registration system using one-day or full conference passes, allowing attendees more flexibility to choose sessions on-site without pre-registering for individual courses.

2026 Lead Class Gets To Work, Angie Kanazeh

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature introduces the five members of the MDA's 2026 Leadership Exploration And Development (LEAD) class. The year-long program is a recruitment and mentoring tool designed to build leadership skills and broaden understanding of organized dentistry. Participants engage in summer retreats, virtual sessions, and hands-on governance experiences with the Board of Trustees and House of Delegates. The article highlights the program's success in preparing new leaders for roles within the MDA and ADA, demonstrating the association's commitment to mentorship and the future development of the dental profession in Michigan.

Mastering The First Year Of Ownership, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column provides a reflective look at the first year of dental practice ownership, describing it as a mix of exhilaration and pressure. It highlights the importance of transitioning from a clinical mindset to one focused on financial clarity, cash flow variability, and team dynamics. The author discusses the necessity of developing efficient systems to resolve bottlenecks and understanding the patient base on a deeper level. The piece emphasizes that leadership confidence grows through action and adjustment.

J Mich Dent Assoc February 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

The February 2026 (Volume 108, No. 2) issue of the Journal is published in a digital format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

This issue includes feature articles on Risk Management and 2025 Servant Leadership as well as a clinical reprint …

How The Dental Workforce Personifies Servant Leadership, William Chase Dds, Maom

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature article explores various leadership styles, identifying servant leadership as the most relevant model for dental professionals. The author connects servant leadership to emotional intelligence (EI), detailing how traits like empathy, self-awareness, and active listening empower clinicians to build trusting patient relationships. By dedicating themselves to high standards of care and maintaining respect for patients, dental teams personify trusted providers. The feature encourages dentists to view themselves as leaders and oral health counselors.

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.

Mda Services: 4 Reasons To Call In The Embezzlement Protection And Investigation Professionals, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

With over 50% of dentists experiencing embezzlement, often due to over-trusting staff with financial tasks, the MDA endorses Prosperident for protection and investigation. Four reasons to seek their help include: inheriting an office manager who knows more about the practice management software than the new owner; financial reports showing income is lower than expected based on patient volume; identifying "red flags" such as an employee refusing vacation or cross-training; and needing proactive strategies to protect cash flow. The average loss is about $109,000. Prosperident offers a $1,500 "First Look" service to covertly review records and identify anomalies, providing evidence needed …

These Dentists Have A Story To Tell; What's Yours?, Rich Evans

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every dentist has his or her own story to tell when it comes to personal and practice success. Each is different, of course, but a recurring theme is how membership in the MDA, ADA, and their local society seems to help them succeed. They find that practice life is somehow better — more rewarding — with membership. Many will tell you that being a member makes them a more satisfied, more grounded professional. In this issue we present the stories of four MDA members who discovered how MDA membership gives them many advantages in their personal and professional lives.

The …

Leaders: To Be Or Not To Be?, William Chase Dds, Maom

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

A guest editorial by former MDA Journal editor Bill Chase discusses the importance of becoming an effective leader, drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Dr. Chase highlights key leadership qualities: positive influence, being a role model, competence, charisma, assertiveness, and conflict resolution skills. Successful leaders are transformational, inspiring others and demonstrating competence and confidence. Importantly, they should handle conflicts by initiating dialogue rather than debate, respecting all followers’ opinions. The former editor believes these traits reflect high Emotional Intelligence (EI), which includes self-awareness, motivation, empathy, and social skills, adding that the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) promotes leadership development through its LEAD …

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 …

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 …

In These Challenging Times: Why Practice Analytics Are Your New Best Friend, Patrick Houlihan Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article argues that financial success is crucial for a thriving dental practice in today's competitive market, despite dentists often lacking sufficient business management training. It introduces practice analytics as a fundamental tool to optimize operations and maximize profitability, enabling dentists to scrutinize outputs, evaluate performance, and implement necessary changes to achieve their goals. Key metrics to track include the number of active patients, monthly collection numbers, the doctor-to-hygiene collection ratio (ideal 65% doctor, 35% hygiene), collection per active patient per year, profit, and various overhead expenses (staff, facility, lab, supply, administrative). The author emphasizes that regular tracking of these …

Dean’S Report: U-M School Of Dentistry - Celebrating A 150-Year Tradition Of Excellence — And Planning For The Future

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This report commemorates the 150th anniversary of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, founded in 1875 largely due to the lobbying efforts of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA). It details the leadership of its first dean, Dr. Jonathan Taft, who established high professional standards that shaped the institution's commitment to excellence. The school boasts over 12,000 DDS graduates and 3,460 dental hygiene graduates, emphasizing its continuous role in advancing dentistry through innovation, research, and patient care, from early textbook development to modern digital tools like CBCTs and CAD-CAM technology. The incoming DDS Class of 2029 marks a milestone with …

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 …

Dentistry And The Law: We Forgot To Renew Our Employment Agreement —Now What?, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Q&A addresses the legal implications when a fixed-term dental employment agreement expires without formal renewal. MDA Legal Counsel explains that if the employee continues working under the same conditions, an oral employment agreement is implicitly formed, retaining the original terms but becoming terminable without cause by either party at any time. A key consequence is that any post-termination provisions, such as a covenant not to compete, begin their restricted period countdown from the original agreement's expiration date, regardless of continued employment. The article advises that it's generally more practical for employment agreements to simply state that the term continues …

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 …

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 …

The Back Page: Commentary: Going Non-Par: My Perspective, And 10 Lessons I’Ve Learned, Robert Antolak Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Robert Antolak shares his experience and ten lessons from transitioning his dental practice to a non-participating (non-par) status with insurance in January 2025, driven by declining reimbursements and the need to prioritize patient care. He highlights the unfairness of lower PPO reimbursements for newer dentists. Key lessons include securing a trusted coach, early patient communication, building a financial safety net, ensuring full team buy-in, committing with faith, tightening billing systems, frequent patient reminders, advocating for patients, creating an in-office payment plan (not percentage discounts), and clearly articulating the "why". Though revenue initially dropped, he anticipates full recovery, aiming to …