Human Resources Management Commons^™

J Mich Dent Assoc October 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The October 2023 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides: A message from the chair of the Michigan Dental Association political action committee with a listing of donors and a report on MDA advocacy during 2023, which are this month’s cover stories. Also included is a Q&A feature on dealing with dental benefits companies. This month’s clinical article is a discussion of the management of a failing implant using guided bone regeneration and esthetic crown lengthening. Other features include a listing of 2023 MDA life members and a President’s Message on the dental workforce crisis in Michigan. …

Dentistry And The Law: Is This Patient Abandonment? Two Scenarios, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article discusses two scenarios involving potential patient abandonment. This article is an installment of the MDA Journal’s monthly Dentistry and the Law department.

Mda Advocacy Report: 2023 To Date, And What’S Next, Jason Mashni Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article is a recap of MDA legislative advocacy accomplishments and what is on the horizon for the remainder of 2023, written by the chair of the MDA Committee on Governmental and Insurance Affairs.

Q&A: Dealing With Dental Benefits Companies, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article answers seven questions about dental benefit plans that are commonly asked by MDA members.

Staff Matters: How Does Michigan’S New Crown Act Impact Dental Practices?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article discusses Michigan’s new CROWN Act prohibiting hair-based discrimination and its impact on dental offices. This article is an installment of the MDA Journal’s monthly Staff Matters® department.

Building Strength Through Collaboration: What Faith Community Nurses Need To Know, Marcia A. Potter

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

This article is a practical guide and viewpoint narrative that offers definitions, justifications for, process steps, and a how-to checklist for Faith Community Nurses considering collaboration between multiple agencies outside of their own. The author offers simple guidelines and how-to advice on securing success, avoiding risks, and preventing costly misunderstandings between cooperating agencies when combining resources.

Lean Six Sigma Body Of Knowledge For Healthcare Industry Administrators: Implementation Of Lessons Learned In Applied Engineering, Mohammed Ali

Technology Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of this paper is to propose a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) course curriculum for healthcare administration and management majors. It identifies the relevant opportunities and challenges for the application of LSS within the healthcare industry. The paper also discusses the cultural changes necessary to provide an appropriate climate for its long-term success. This work contains a comprehensive description of the body of knowledge in LSS, which were successful in applied engineering. Additionally, the paper describes how LSS may be applied in the hospital setting to improve processes in patient-care services. Upon successful completion of the course, the healthcare …

Mda Foundation: How Foundation Grants Assist Dei Efforts At Detroit Mercy, U-M, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article provides information on the diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at Michigan’s two dental schools and details how the MDA Foundation is supporting these programs. This article is an installment of the MDA Journal’s monthly MDA Foundation department.

Mda Services: Why Dental Cpas Are Warning About Potential Employee Dishonesty, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article details scenarios in which embezzlement and employee dishonesty can occur in a dental office and the need to employ a dental CPA. The article also describes two vendors endorsed by the Michigan Dental Association for accounting and protection against embezzlement. This article is an installment of the MDA Journal’s bi-monthly MDA Services department.

Toxic Vs. Visionary Leaders, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This reviews characteristics of toxic and visionary leadership styles. This article is an installment of the MDA Journal’s monthly Editorial department.

J Mich Dent Assoc September 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Reports from the deans of Michigan’s two dental schools covering the past year’s activities serve as the dual cover stories for this issue. Other feature articles include a discussion of professionalism, a diagnostic challenge describing adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, and a memorial tribute to recently deceased MDA Executive Director Karen Burgess. Monthly departments include Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters^® human resource guidance, MDA Services (endorsed programs), MDA Foundation, news updates in News You Need, and more.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

A Time-Motion Study Of Emergency And Hospitalist Physicians In A Community Hospital Setting, Mariko M. Ching, Jennifer Lee, Matthew Beecroft

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Research has shown that low physician work satisfaction correlates with burnout. Having sufficient time at the patient’s bedside is one element that contributes to work satisfaction. Interruptions, on the other hand, have been implicated as a potential cause of both worker dissatisfaction and clinical error. Better understanding how direct patient care and interruptions affect physician satisfaction may aid in developing future interventions to reduce burnout and improve patient safety.

Methods: We conducted an observational, time-motion study to assess how physicians spend their time and correlated these findings to physician satisfaction. This study was conducted in July 2020 …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, …

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.