Leadership Commons^™

Nov. 2026 Finding Your Place In Dentistry: The Value Of Belonging To The Mda, Rich Evans

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The cover story explores workplace culture, peer support, and organizational mentorship through the experiences of dentists at Great Lakes Dental Care. It illustrates how association membership provides valuable advocacy, professional growth, networking, and legislative oversight, supporting dental professionals at every career stage—from associates managing student debt to seasoned practice owners.

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.

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.

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 …

Meet The Mda’S New President, Cheri Newman, Dds, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This cover story introduces the new president of the MDA, Dr. Cheri Newman, highlighting her unique journey from dental hygienist to dentist. Dr. Newman discusses her motivations for becoming involved with the MDA, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the profession and the influence of mentors. She outlines her goals for the upcoming year, which include increasing membership, addressing workforce shortages, and tackling student debt. Dr. Newman also stresses the significance of member involvement in organized dentistry and acknowledges the challenges related to workforce issues like the need for more dental hygienists and assistants. She underscores the value of …

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

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

U-M School Of Dentistry: Collaborating With Michigan’S Dentists To Move The Profession Always Forward, Jacques E. Nör Dds, Ms, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Completing his first year as dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry Dr. Nor highlights the importance of community-based learning in dental education. Students gain valuable experience through rotations at various clinics across Michigan, including those serving underserved populations. The dean emphasizes the generosity of dentists who mentor students and the importance of the Oath of Aspiring Dentists. The Commission on Dental Accreditation completed its site visit at our school in March. Its findings identified numerous strengths during the formal review that American dental schools must complete every seven years. Demographic data on the incoming class of 2028 …

The New Professional: The Important Role Of Organized Dentistry In Early Career Success, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

As a new dentist, navigating the professional world requires more than clinical skills; involvement in organized dentistry is crucial. It fosters personal and professional growth, provides continuous learning through seminars and workshops, and offers networking and mentorship opportunities. Additionally, it serves as a collective voice advocating for the profession’s interests, influencing policies, and fostering leadership development. Membership grants access to practice resources and support services, helping new dentists navigate challenges and build successful careers. Ultimately, organized dentistry creates a supportive community, essential for early career success.

J Mich Dent Assoc July 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It is the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists.

The July issue of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) journal focuses on the member and public value of the association's Public Education Campaign through a cover story "Smile Brighter Michigan!". It also features articles on:

• How to get value from your MDA membership

• Joining the MDA Forensic Dental Team

• A new professional column, News you need, an editorial and regular department articles covering MDA …

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The Stories That Matter From The People Who Care: Interviewing The Mentors Of The Women’S Business Leadership Center, Megan Nicole Gray

Honors Theses

Women across the nation face barriers that include a pay gap, under representation, caregiving expectations, threats of sexual violence, and more. Barriers related to the workplace are significant due to their impact on a woman’s autonomy, particularly in Arkansas. The Women’s Business Leadership Center on the Arkansas State University campus provided an excellent opportunity to investigate the life experiences of women in Arkansas who recognize barriers to women and confront them. Eleven mentors of the WBLC at ASU were interviewed to document such life experiences. Regarding mentorship, participants shared that they built support systems, received their own benefits, commonly had …

The New Professional: Navigating The Journey: Finding Your Practice Philosophy As A New Dentist, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Amrita Patel highlights the importance of defining a practice philosophy as a new dentist. Self-reflection, mentorship, patient-centered care, continuous learning, and adaptability are crucial elements in this journey. Embracing personal values and ethics ensures authenticity and guides decision-making. The evolving nature of this philosophy underscores the need for flexibility and openness to change. Dentists can shape their professional identity and approach to patient care through introspection and experiential learning.

J Mich Dent Assoc May 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every 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.

In the May 2024 issue, the Journal focuses on the landscape of practicing in rural settings. Original content includes:

• A cover story interview introducing MDA President Todd Christy

• A feature clinical case report on Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia Progressing to Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Profiles of the 2024 MDA Awards Recipients

• A New Professional Column: “Navigating the Journey: Finding Your Practice Philosophy as a New …

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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 …

Choosing Your Next Educational Adventure: Postgraduate Programs And Creating Your Path, Partha Mukherji Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article discusses the importance of choosing the right educational path after dental school, including post-graduate programs and self-directed learning. The author reflects on their experience in opting for a General Practice Residency (GPR) program and the advantages it offered regarding skill development and career advancement. The article emphasizes the value of lifelong learning, mentorship, and the variety of continuing education options available to dentists. It encourages new dentists to take charge of their professional development and create their unique educational track.