Human Resources Management Commons^™

Navigating The Legal Landscape Of Mental Health In The Workplace: Insights For The Dental Practice, Gary Chamberlin Milr, Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dealing with an employee’s mental health situation poses complex challenges for human resource professionals. Dental practices, typically run by busy dentists or administrative managers, often lack a human resource professional and the legal expertise needed to navigate the intricacies of employment laws pertaining to mental health disabilities. Moreover, mental health issues in the workplace are sensitive, private matters that intersect with disability and leave laws and are still associated with cultural stigmas despite evolving societal attitudes. This article provides specific scenarios that give insights into the legal issues when managing dental office employees with mental health conditions. Readers should address …

J Mich Dent Assoc August 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 original content:

• A cover story on new dentist’s perceptions of professionalism.
• A feature on legal considerations when addressing employee wellness.
• A feature on the meaning of wellness by ADA Trustee Dr. Brett Kessler.
• Practice guidance on conducting a HIPAA security risk analysis.
• Commentary “The New Golden Age of Dentistry.”
• Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation …

What Does Professionalism Mean To You? Part I, Michael G. Maihofer Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This commentary explores generational perspectives on professionalism in dentistry, focusing on how younger dentists perceive this concept. It highlights the changing dynamics in dentistry and questions whether professionalism remains relevant in a world where various practice models exist. Insights from young dentists shed light on their commitment to professionalism and its evolving definition, emphasizing the importance of caring for patients and maintaining high-quality care.

Hipaa Update: Conducting A Security Risk Analysis, Jennifer Cosey

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule mandates periodic security risk analyses (SRA) to assess compliance. This analysis evaluates threats and vulnerabilities to electronic protected health information (EPHI) and considers all devices connected to a network. While the Security Rule is flexible, small organizations must still adhere to its standards. IT vendors and staff play a crucial role in implementing HIPAA safeguards. Threats and vulnerabilities must be identified to select appropriate safeguards for EPHI. These safeguards include administrative, physical, and technical measures. Addressable specifications should be implemented if reasonable, and documentation of decisions is essential. A Technical …

Compassion: It’S Needed Now More Than Ever, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial emphasizes the pressing need for compassion in a world of conflict and division. It underscores the importance of compassion in global crises, politics, family dynamics, and the dental profession. MDA Editor Michelle C. Dziurgot encourages unity and understanding, advocating for compassion as a vital force in bridging divides.

Mental Health In The Dental Workplace: Recognizing Signs, Communicating Concern, And Sharing Resources, Karen M. O'Brien, Karoline J. Trovato

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dentists face numerous concerns in the workplace, including stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Mental health concerns affect the workplace in profound ways, including engagement in and quality of work and patient care, the level of productivity, and health care costs. Recognizing mental health concerns is an important first step in assisting dentists and their staff in receiving needed assistance from mental health professionals. Steps that dentists can use to communicate their concerns and share resources are provided. Finally, a prevention model is presented to promote mental health and workplace well-being in the practice of dentistry.

Staff Matters: Summer Fun Can Be Risky Business — Plan Accordingly, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Planning staff gatherings for team building requires attention to legal and safety considerations. Sponsored events can expose employers to occupational safety, discrimination, and harassment. Even informal gatherings are considered an extension of the workplace, so policies apply. If serving alcohol, it's essential to do so responsibly, providing alternatives and ensuring safe transportation. Leaders must model appropriate behavior and address any inappropriate conduct. Physical activities should be covered by workers' compensation policies, with injuries promptly reported. Being proactive about these risks ensures successful team-building events.

Dentistry And The Law: Did I Commit Fraud?, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The dentist is under audit by a dental plan due to issues with claims, but inattention or mistakes do not necessarily constitute fraud. For fraud to be established, specific conditions must be proven, including knowledge, intent, and damage to the dental plan. The burden of proof is high for criminal fraud, making it unlikely in this situation. The dentist's main concern should be a breach of their participation agreement and the need for better billing practices.

Overcoming The Dental Assistant Shortage Starts Here, Joanne Dawley Dds, Fagd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Michigan's dental profession faces a severe workforce shortage, with 248 designated shortage areas. The Michigan Dental Association is prioritizing support for registered dental assistants (RDAs) to reverse this trend. The Dental Assisting National Board and DALE Foundation are actively developing solutions, including expanding certification pathways and removing access barriers. Locally, programs like North Central Michigan College and partnerships with institutions like Northwestern Michigan College are addressing the workforce shortage. Dentists can strengthen the profession by recognizing their team's contributions and encouraging education and certification for dental assistants.

J Mich Dent Assoc July 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 original content:

• A cover story on recognizing mental health concerns in the dental workplace.
• Commentary by a foreign-trained dentist on difficulties in obtaining licensure.
• MDA 2023-04 Continuing Education Course Catalog
• A feature on addressing the current dental assisting workforce shortage.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff …

Quantifying The Moderating Effect Of Servant Leadership Between Occupational Stress And Employee In-Role And Extra-Role Performance, Rizwana Rasheed, Aamir Rashid, Noor Aina Amirah, Asyraf Afthanorhan

Publications and Research

The study examined the effects of occupational stress on employees’ performance and extra-role performance (OCB), moderated by the servant leadership of the supervisor. Many studies have indicated that servant leadership significantly impacts employee work-related behavior. Therefore, we aimed to examine the role of occupational; stress in the context of Pakistan's public and private sectors. A multi-source cross-sectional field survey was conducted, including a diverse sample (N = 286 paired responses). The study applied SPSS (22.0) to complete the analysis, revealing that stress drastically affects employees' performance and (OCB). Main and moderated regression analysis indicated that the inverse relationship between stress …

Staff Matters: Which Of Our Staff Are Hourly Vs. Salaried?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article addresses the classification of employees as hourly (non-exempt) or salaried (exempt) in the context of dental practices. It outlines the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules, including the current minimum salary threshold of $684 per week and the potential for changes in overtime regulations. The article also discusses the duties tests for various white-collar exemptions and provides guidance on correctly classifying common dental practice positions to ensure compliance with the law.

Interview: Dr. Eric Knudsen 2023-24 Mda President, David Foe Ma

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Eric Knudsen, the 2023-24 MDA President, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role. Hailing from the Upper Peninsula and a family of dentists, he discusses his goals for the year, including addressing access to dental care, promoting member assistance and well-being programs, and advocating for new dentists. He also shares insights on rural dentistry, community involvement, and increasing member participation in organized dentistry.

President’S Address: Dr. Vince Benivegna, Vince Benivegna Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Vince Benivegna, the outgoing President of the Michigan Dental Association, addressed the House of Delegates, emphasizing the significant progress in enhancing Adult Dental Medicaid coverage and reimbursement in Michigan. He thanked the dedicated individuals who supported him during his tenure and shared his journey. Dr. Benivegna lauded Michigan's accomplishments in reducing opioid prescribing and highlighted the MDA's role as a model state society in advocacy, leadership, mentorship, continuing education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. He praised Michigan's achievements in improving Adult Dental Medicaid, encouraging Michigan dentists to participate and help address oral health disparities. Dr. Benivegna underscored how this aligns …

Dentistry And The Law: Accessing/Disclosing Prescription Information On Software Platforms, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article discusses the access and disclosure of prescription information on software platforms like eScribe and MAPS. It highlights that HIPAA regulations govern such access, and as long as the information is obtained through business associate agreements and used for treatment purposes, specific patient consent may not be necessary. The article also mentions that the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS) allows prescribers to access controlled substance prescription information without requiring patient consent.

Mda At Your Service: How Can I Learn More About Insurance Plan Contracts?, Kristin Johnson Dds, Mda Membership Department Staff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month’s column from the Chair of the Membership Committee, and the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) Membership Department, addresses various resources for understanding dental insurance plans, switching local dental societies, Business Associate Agreements for HIPAA compliance, and changes in implicit bias training requirements. The article also mentions volunteer opportunities to help underserved patients through MDA-affiliated programs and the future Mission of Mercy.

Headquarters Report: A Look At Some Of The Changes Over The Past 10 Years, Karen Burgess Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In what became her final report to the MDA House of Delegates, our late Executive Director Karen Burgess reflects on the changes in the dental profession and organized dentistry over the past decade. This transcription of her remarks highlights shifts in dental schools, practice choices, demographics, and market shares within the ADA and MDA. It also discusses societal trends like generational shifts, diversity, the job market, social media, and personal technology, emphasizing how they align with the dental profession. She outlines the MDA's proactive steps to address these changes and ensure that the association remains responsive to evolving needs.

J Mich Dent Assoc June 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 original content:

• A cover story interview introducing new MDA President Eric Knudsen of Escanaba.
• A feature review of the 2023 MDA Annual Session held in Grand Rapids.
• MDA President Dr. Benivegna's Opening Remarks before the 2023 House of Delegates.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, …

Mda Foundation: Mission Of Mercy Moves To Flint In June 2024; Save The Date And Participate, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation is organizing its fifth Mission of Mercy (MOM) in Flint in June 2024. The event aims to provide dental care to those in need, especially those who are uninsured and unable to afford dental services. The MOM will take place at the Dort Financial Center in Flint from June 13 to 17, offering dental care from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 14 and 15. This initiative has been critical in delivering dental services and improving the lives of those who lack access to proper oral healthcare.

Meet Your New Mda Editor, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Michelle C. Dziurgot introduces herself as the new editor-in-chief of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association. She shares her background, including her dental career, writing experience, and leadership roles. Dr. Dziurgot expresses her commitment to promoting dentistry and engaging with the dental community through the journal. She emphasizes her passion for the field and her willingness to serve the members of the Michigan Dental Association.

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.

Interest Convergence And Neoliberalism: Effects On Entry-Level Staff Of Color Who Perform Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Higher Education, Jesse N. Avila

Master's Theses

Higher education was not originally built to benefit people of color. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are many ways in which universities seek to change higher education. However, higher education has a staff retention problem and is at risk of losing more than half of its current workforce. Retention problems also impact entry-level staff of color who perform DEI in universities. Through a lens of interest convergence and neoliberalism, this qualitative study gathered the experiences of entry-level staff of color who perform DEI in student affairs, looked at how their experiences are shaped by the structures of the university, and …

Smells Like Team Spirit: How To Foster Psychological Safety And Enhance Team Creativity, Shannon S. Burrows

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

Creativity is one of the most sought-after skills of the 21^st century, yet team members may be reticent to contribute to creative problem-solving out of fear of ridicule, retribution, or because of rigid hierarchical team structures. However, psychological safety is the underpinning of creativity; without it a culture of silence prevails, mistakes go unreported, and team creativity languishes. But how do leaders cultivate psychological safety in their teams? This project seeks to answer that question. Although the term “psychological safety” has become common in the corporate lexicon, misconceptions abound. Through the creation of a short, animated video, this project …

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.

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.

The Impact Of Firm Size, Job Embeddedness, And Job Engagement On Turnover In Public Accounting Firms, Amy Cooper

Dissertations

Retention in public accounting firms has been and continues to be a top concern in the accounting profession. The direct and indirect cost of turnover; the decrease in accounting enrollment and graduation; the Great Resignation; and changes to work environments due to the pandemic elevate what was already a serious problem into a critical problem for the accounting profession. The size of public accounting firms is a well-used descriptor when employees talk about where they work. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the size of firm in predicting an employee’s level of job embeddedness and …

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 …

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.

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 …