Leadership Commons^™

The 2023 Mda Annual Session: Good Times, Great Meeting, David Foe Ma

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The 2023 MDA Annual Session was a successful event, with over 2,600 dental professionals attending in downtown Grand Rapids. Highlights included engaging keynote addresses, informative CE courses, a bustling exhibit hall, and various social events. The MDA Foundation's Sparkling Smiles Celebration raised funds to support dental scholarships and improve access to care. The event provided valuable networking opportunities and resources for attendees.

J Mich Dent Assoc May 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A case study on recognizing the oral signs of Acute Lymphatic Leukemia
• A special pull-out section to assist clinicians in identifying and treating common oral lesions
• Advice on personal Wellness: "Finding Calm Amidst Chaos."
• State of Michigan C.E. Requirements for License Renewal of Dentists, Hygienists, and Registered Dental Assistants.
• A 10Minute EBD contrasting clinical success of composite restorations vs. glass ionomers.
• Guest commentary "Pretty Good Dentistry."
• News you need, Editorial, and an Advocacy Spotlight.

Finding Calm Amidst Chaos, Lisa Knowles Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This commentary on mindfulness and wellness provides the practitioner with strategies to achieve peace amidst chaos.

The Elevator Speech, Christopher J. Smiley

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial discusses the effectiveness of crafting an "elevator speech" for concise and impactful communication in various scenarios. Leaders at a previous MDA Board of Trustees orientation were trained to construct brief, efficient presentations of two to five minutes. The process involves targeting the audience's needs, focusing on critical points, and concluding with a call to action. Examples are given for addressing questions on MDA membership benefits, emphasizing volunteer contributions, services, resources, and the value of the MDA Journal. The editorial encourages readers to adopt these strategies for efficient communication in professional and public settings.

Good Communications: Why It’S Essential To Winning Elections, Matthew J. Levin Mpa, Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article emphasizes the pivotal role of strategic communications in winning elections and guiding prospective political candidates in developing effective communication plans. The modern electoral landscape demands that candidates master the art of communication to connect with voters and convey their mission effectively.

The article highlights two key components of communication: crafting compelling messages and delivering them adeptly. The former involves developing a series of messages, starting with an elevator pitch and talking points, while the latter requires diligent practice.

The role of media in campaigns is explored, differentiating between earned and paid media. Earned media, generated organically through viral …

J Mich Dent Assoc April 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A profile of two dentist legislators, Representative Steven Bradley, DDS of Iowa and Representative Jane Gillette, DDS, MPH. who represents Montana, to help readers best understand what that commitment means if they plan to seek elected office.
• An article discussing essential communication strategies to win elections.
• An update on ADA efforts to promote Oral Health Equity
• Profiles of MDA leadership candidates
• A 10Minute EBD contrasting closing diastemas with or without frenectomy with orthodontic treatment.
• Editorial, Advocacy update, News Briefs, News from the MDA Foundation, News from the ADA and …

Running For Political Office: These Dentists Did . . . How About You? Insights From Two Dentist-Legislators, W. Erick Rupprecht Dds, Lynn Aronoff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association encourages members to seek political office. Why? Having a member dentist hold an elected office improves the profession's visibility and builds relationships with other elected officials and community leaders who can support dentistry's goals. A dentist-legislator becomes a resource with their legislative colleagues when they debate health policy, regulations, and business initiatives. Having member dentists on the inside provides receptive ears when the Association advocates for the profession's needs and priorities.

To give insight into what public service by a dentist looks like, the Journal interviewed two colleagues who have made that commitment, State Representative Steven …

Headquarters Report: Membership Outlook Hazy But Optimistic, Karen Burgess Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This MDA Executive Director Report discusses the annual membership snapshot of the ADA, MDA, and component dental societies, specifically focusing on Michigan's experience in 2022. The analysis reveals a decline in active membership and a decrease in market share. A 57% national percentage of active dentists in membership is alarming, as further erosion may impact advocacy efforts and organized dentistry’s ability to voice dentistry’s needs. The article explores the reasons behind this decline, including demographic trends and the changing landscape of dental practice. It emphasizes the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of younger dentists and non-owner practitioners while …

Staff Matters: When Should We Use A Performance Improvement Plan?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores using Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) to address employee issues. It defines what a PIP is and outlines its primary purpose: employee development and performance improvement. The article provides guidance on when to use a PIP, emphasizing its appropriateness for performance-related deficiencies that coaching hasn't resolved. It also highlights situations where a PIP may not be suitable, such as policy violations or severe misconduct. The key is to choose the right communication tool based on the specific circumstances and the potential for employee improvement.

Will The Government Rip Up Employment Contracts?, Christopher J. Smiley

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial discusses the Federal Trade Commission's proposed rule to eliminate non-compete agreements, tracing their historical origins to the apprentice system in Europe. The author explores dentists' perspectives on this potential change, considering the need for talent acquisition versus workforce preservation. The editorial highlights the FTC's rationale for banning non-compete contracts and their impact on employee wages and innovation. It also addresses issues of boilerplate contract language and excessive leverage in the dental profession. The proposed rule aims to create consistency across states while allowing non-competes in specific cases. Dentist employers are advised to review and revise their agreements in …

Improving Access For Children And Adults With Disabilities Through Enhanced Commercial Benefits, Holli Seabury Edd, Jeff Johnston Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the critical issue of accessibility to oral healthcare for people with disabilities in the United States. Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana has taken a step by providing enhanced commercial benefits to children and adults with disabilities. The article delves into the challenges faced by this vulnerable population, including cost barriers and transition issues, and discusses how expanded benefits and coding, along with special dental care provisions, aim to improve access. It emphasizes the importance of proper benefits verification and presents a case study illustrating the utilization of these benefits. The article highlights the need for …

Practice Management: Cpa Vs. Dental Cpa: What’S The Difference?, John Looby Cpa

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article underscores the advantages of working with a specialized dental Certified Public Accountant (CPA) over generalist CPAs or accountants for dental practitioners. A dental CPA offers deeper insights into practice management, tax planning, and financial strategies tailored to the dental industry. Dental CPAs provide valuable guidance on production, insurance, and cost management, helping dentists make informed decisions. They also prove invaluable during critical times, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offer expertise in tax, retirement, and practice transition planning, ensuring optimal financial outcomes for dentists.

J Mich Dent Assoc March 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 across the state. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on canceling provider agreements with dental plans.
• A clinical update on when and how to use Silver Diamine Fluoride to manage carious lesions
• News from Delta Dental on efforts to address access to care for disabled individuals through enhanced commercial dental benefits.
• The value of focused counsel from a …

Commentary: What Makes Membership Matter, Michael G. Maihofer Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The American Dental Association (ADA) is facing a drastic decline in membership, with market share dropping to 59%. To combat this trend, the ADA focuses on early-career dentists and a strategic forecasting initiative to align with their values. However, there is concern that the language and approach are shifting towards treating members as customers rather than dental professionals. This shift raises questions about the commitment of new dentists to professional associations. The challenge lies in listening to member concerns and delivering values like professional support, ethics, and advocacy to make membership meaningful.

Staff Matters: When Employee Behaviors Create A Toxic Work Culture, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column addresses the challenge of resolving conflicts between employees with clashing personalities and behaviors. It emphasizes the importance of raising awareness, clarifying behavior expectations, and outlining consequences for inappropriate conduct. If conflicts persist despite efforts to address them, termination may become necessary to preserve a healthy workplace environment.

From The Neck Up, Christopher J. Smiley

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial emphasizes integrating behavioral health into dentistry for comprehensive patient care. It highlights evidence-based approaches showing positive outcomes of behavior change techniques in oral hygiene and smoking cessation. However, implementing behavioral change models in clinical dental care faces challenges, such as reimbursement issues and concerns about disrupting the patient-dentist relationship. The editorial suggests enlisting outside resources and fostering collaboration between oral and mental health professionals to address patients' overall health needs. Policy initiatives are seen as a promising avenue for advancing this integration.

J Mich Dent Assoc February 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 across the state. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A feature on the Interfaith Dental Refugee Program of Michigan
• Commentary on what makes membership matter and the ADA marketing shift on the value of membership.
• Complete details on the 2023 MDA Annual Session
• News you need, Editorial, and regular department articles on Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, and Advocacy.

Advocacy Spotlight: The Mda Grassroots Program: Advocacy That Works!, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association's (MDA) Grassroots Legislative Advocacy Program, launched in 2011, continues to thrive, with active member participation in 2022. Over 145 MDA members and legislator contacts at 23 events showcased the program's effectiveness. Connecting members with their legislators fosters personal connections, reinforces the MDA as a dental resource, and offers a unique local perspective on key issues. With many new legislators taking office in 2023, the grassroots program will remain vital in the MDA's advocacy efforts. The facing page provides a description of the MDA 2023 legislative priorities.

The Interfaith Dental Program Of Michigan, William J. Danaher, Jr M.Div, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In the wake of the fall of Kabul in August 2021, hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees found temporary shelter at American airbases, prompting non-profit organizations and faith communities to assist in their resettlement. The Rev. Dr. William J. Danaher Jr. details the efforts of Christ Church Cranbrook and the Muslim Unity Center in Michigan to address the healthcare needs of Afghan refugees, particularly in dental care. Facing language and cultural barriers, they established an Interfaith Refugee Dental Program that successfully provided critical dental services to these refugees. The program's collaborative and humanitarian approach has improved the refugees' well-being and …

Keeping The Journal In Focus, Christopher J. Smiley

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial delves into the motivations behind young dentists and dental students joining the Association and highlights a recent study's surprising findings. Rather than tangible benefits, such as insurance and discounts, social and emotional factors were the primary drivers for membership. The study revealed that members seek a sense of belonging, opportunities for networking, and support in building confidence in their skills. The editorial underscores the importance of community and connection within organized dentistry and emphasizes the role of the MDA Journal in fulfilling these needs.

Ada Executive Director Dr. Ray Cohlmia: "We're Focused On The Future, Not The Past", Debra Peters Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this interview, Dr. Raymond Cohlmia, the Executive Director of the American Dental Association (ADA), reflects on his first year in office and discusses the challenges of overcoming the decline of membership marketshare. He addresses the importance of strategic forecasting, nimbleness, and the role of the ADA team in shaping the future of dentistry. Dr. Cohlmia also highlights the significance of science and research in dentistry and the ADA's commitment to global presence. The interview offers insights into the ADA's evolving strategies and its dedication to serving its members and the dental community.

Dentistry And The Law: How Does An ‘Assignment Of Benefits’ Work?, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The use of an assignment of benefits form in dental practice is explored in this article, with a focus on its potential benefits and limitations. This form allows patients to assign their dental plan benefits to the provider, enabling direct payment for services. However, its acceptance by dental plans varies and is often subject to state and federal regulations. While assignment of benefits offers a pathway to independent fee setting and potential billing for any balance exceeding benefits, legal and regulatory considerations must be addressed to fully implement this approach.

Ce Requirements For Michigan Dental Licensure, Andrea Sunderman

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The distribution of mandated topics for the 60 hours of CE for dentists and 36 hours for RDHs and RDAs required for each three-year licensure period is presented in this graphic. The ADA, AGD, an accredited dental school, or the Michigan Board of Dentistry must approve courses. The Michigan Dental Association provides access to CE programs necessary for dentists and members of their teams to meet these requirements.

Staff Matters: I-9 Forms: What Every Employer Needs To Know, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The I-9 form, mandated by the federal government, is essential for all employers, including dental practices. It verifies an employee's eligibility to work in the United States and is applicable to all employee types. Employees must provide documents like a Social Security card, passport, or driver's license for inspection within three days of hire. These forms should be retained for one-year post-employment or three years post-hire. Due to COVID-19, virtual document examination is temporarily allowed, extended until July 31, 2023. Non-compliance can result in costly fines, making regular internal audits advisable for practice adherence.

J Mich Dent Assoc January 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 across the state. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

This is our annual pediatric dentistry issue, with articles covering value and price in pediatric dentistry, a clinical guideline on traumatic dental injuries in the developing dentition, and space maintenance in the primary and mixed dentitions.

Advocacy Spotlight: Mda’S Legislative Priorities For 2023, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article outlines the Michigan Dental Association's (MDA) legislative priorities for the year 2023. The MDA focuses on various key issues, including dental loss ratio, network leasing transparency, teledentistry policy, the state budget's impact on dental services, increasing the dental workforce, and addressing student debt relief. These priorities aim to advocate for the dental profession, enhance patient care, and ensure the dental community's well-being.

2022 Author/Title Index To The Journal Of The Michigan Dental Association, Jackie Hammond

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association annually publishes an index of the year’s articles listed by title and author. This resource is intended to aid in content searches.

Staff Matters: What Will Be The Impact Of Changes To Michigan’S New Paid Sick Leave Law?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Michigan's paid sick leave law has seen several changes in recent years, and the latest updates, if upheld, will go into effect in February 2023. The original ballot-initiated law requires most employers to provide paid sick leave to employees. Employers need to be proactive in understanding the potential impact of these changes, including accrual rates, usage limits, notice requirements, and supporting documentation. It's crucial to review current leave policies and prepare for compliance if the law takes effect.

Resolving Echoes From Dentistry’S Past, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial discusses a 1939 concept of dental disease prevention and the resistance it faced from some in the dental profession due to potential economic self-interest. It draws parallels to current issues in the dental field, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rules on dental coverage. The CMS rules link dental services to medical outcomes, opening the door for future expansion. However, the editorial highlights gaps in coverage, particularly for cancer patients and those with diabetes. The new CMS rule signifies progress in integrating oral health into healthcare, echoing a goal set in 1939.

Headquarters Report: Mda Strategic Plan: In The Rear View Mirror And Around The Curve, Karen Burgess Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Association Executive Director's year-end report discusses the accomplishments and challenges of the MDA's 2021-25 Strategic Plan. Member value remains high, as indicated by a Net Promoter Score of 43 and positive feedback on benefits like TDSC.com. However, younger practitioners are less engaged due to pandemic-related challenges. Member engagement saw a successful in-person Annual Session and increased online engagement. Organizational sustainability remains strong, but efforts are focused on maintaining membership participation. Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including a collaborative website, made significant progress. Advocacy efforts resulted in Medicaid reform and defeating restrictive bills. The report concludes by emphasizing the evolving …