Human Resources Management Commons^™

Staff Matters: Why Are Our Employees Leaving? And How Do We Keep Them?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article addresses the challenges of staff attrition in dental practices, emphasizing its costly impact and the need to understand its causes. Common reasons for attrition include low compensation, high workloads, poor management practices, and lack of career development opportunities. Solutions involve gathering feedback through exit interviews, improving salaries and benefits, balancing workloads, enhancing management styles, and offering career growth. Proactive measures can help retain staff and create a stable, supportive work environment.

Dentistry And The Law: Overlooked Purchase Agreement Terms, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Selling a dental practice involves numerous legal, financial, and operational considerations. Assembling a team—including a lawyer, accountant, broker, and insurance professional—is crucial for ensuring a smooth transaction. While letters of intent are optional, they help define terms like exclusivity, due diligence, and confidentiality.

Purchase agreements, often drafted by the buyer’s lawyer, should detail asset allocation, tax implications, and handling of accounts receivable. Neglected areas such as work-in-process procedures and rework responsibilities must also be addressed to avoid disputes. Properly planning and negotiating these terms protects both buyer and seller, minimizing post-sale complications and ensuring a seamless transition of ownership.

Staff Matters: She’S The Life Of The Party?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article addresses how to handle an employee who has displayed inappropriate behavior due to excessive alcohol consumption at work-related social events. The piece outlines a specific case where a dental assistant exhibited problematic drinking behavior at two separate office parties. The response emphasizes that while these were social gatherings, they were work-related events, especially with vendors and referring dentists present. The article provides detailed guidance on documenting incidents, reviewing workplace alcohol policies, and exploring possible courses of action, including disciplinary measures or supporting rehabilitation if needed. It concludes with recommendations for preventing future incidents by reviewing policies with staff …

What You Must Know: Retention And Destruction Of Dental Records And Your Most-Asked Questions About Dental Records, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

An overview of the basic information about dental records, including retention and destruction, that you and your staff should be aware of, provided by MDA Legal Counsel Dan Schulte, J.D. Plus, for your reference, answers to the questions Michigan dental offices are asking about dental record retention, access, release, and destruction.

Dental records are vital for patient care, legal compliance, and professional practice management. Michigan law mandates retaining dental records for a minimum of 10 years, ensuring their confidentiality, accessibility, and integrity. Destruction of records less than 10 years old requires patient notification and authorization, while those over 10 years …

Are Leaders Born, Or Made?, William R. Chase D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The debate over whether leaders are born or made persists, but effective leadership often results from a combination of innate traits and learned skills. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate others, while transactional leaders focus on tasks without fostering personal connections. Servant leadership, particularly valued in the dental profession, emphasizes service to others, aligning naturally with patient care. Leadership styles, such as coercive, authoritative, and affiliative, demonstrate the complexity of leadership dynamics. Renowned authors like John C. Maxwell and Daniel Goleman emphasize adaptability and the importance of being a leader whom people want to follow. Effective leadership transcends settings, offering focus, …

J Mich Dent Assoc December 2024

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 December issue includes a timely cover feature on evidence supporting community water fluoridation, a clinical feature answering questions on patient dental records, a guest editorial on leadership by former MDA Journal Editor Dr. Bill Chase, and a Back Page article on how a personal touch makes a difference. We also provide our annual 2024 Author/Title Index and regular departments: The New Professional, …

J Mich Dent Assoc November 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Associationprovides 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 November issue includes:

• Clinical Feature on discontinuation of lead apron use for dental radiology
• An introduction to the MDA Team and how they can be contacted to serve specific member needs
• A Back Page article on beginning practice and family
• Regular Departments: New Dentist Column, Updates on the MDA Foundation, MDA Services, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters

This month we welcome …

Staff Matters: How Much Should We Talk About Pay?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In response to staff questioning pay discrepancies, the article advises conducting a pay audit to ensure consistency and equity across similar roles. While Michigan doesn't require pay transparency, employees can share their pay, and inconsistencies can disrupt compensation structures. Employers should establish market-based salary ranges for each position and avoid exceeding these ranges during negotiations. Sharing salary ranges, not individual pay rates, can help foster trust. The article recommends making any necessary pay adjustments gradually to minimize budget impact, ensuring transparency and fairness in compensation practices.

The Back Page: Connection And Support: It’S A Family Thing, Kristen Kemmer Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In March 2023, the author welcomed her second daughter while managing the challenges of being a solo dental practice owner. With a supportive team, family, and a strong network of local dental colleagues, she successfully navigated maternity leave. Her dental team handled patient care seamlessly, and she leaned on friends and fellow practitioners for advice and emergency coverage. Online support and planning helped her manage financially, while collaboration within local dental groups ensured patient needs were met. The experience reinforced the importance of connection, support, and community in balancing motherhood and practice ownership.

Your Mda Team: Working For You, John Tramontana Ms, Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month's cover feature introduces the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) team based in Okemos, highlighting their dedication to providing exceptional service and value to MDA members.

The team, many of whom have decades of experience, is always available to answer questions and offer support. With a focus on delivering top-notch service, the MDA staff strives to be the best dental association in the country. The article includes an overview of the team members, their roles, and a helpful "Who to Call" guide for members seeking assistance.

The executive director emphasizes the team's expertise and institutional knowledge, inviting members to reach …

Mda Services: Now Is The Time To Assess Your Practice’S Risk Of Embezzlement, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In Healers Versus Stealers (2023), David Harris highlights that dentistry faces over $1 billion in embezzlement annually. Harris, CEO of Prosperident, offers strategies to prevent theft in dental practices. Embezzlement involves not only cash theft but also fraudulent use of payments, payroll manipulation, and misappropriation of supplies. Prosperident provides investigation and preventive services, such as Owner Proactive Strategies, to help dentists safeguard their finances. The MDA endorses Prosperident and offers members discounts and free risk assessments. Orthodontic practices are particularly vulnerable to embezzlement, making preventive measures essential for all dental professionals.

The New Professional: Starting A Practice Vs. Buying: What’S Right For You?, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month's New Professional column explores the key decision of whether to start a new dental practice or purchase an existing one. Starting a practice offers flexibility in creating a brand and using the latest technology but requires building a patient base from scratch and managing upfront costs. Purchasing an existing practice provides immediate cash flow and an established patient base but requires more upfront investment and adapting to existing systems. Dentists should consider financial readiness, long-term goals, and work-life balance when making this decision.

The New Professional: Debt Repayment Strategies: What New Dentists Should Know, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dentists face significant financial challenges due to educational and practice-related loans. Effective debt repayment strategies are essential for financial stability and long-term success. Dentists should prioritize high-interest debts and explore consolidation or refinancing options to simplify debt management and reduce interest costs. Popular repayment methods include the "snowball" and "avalanche" methods, focusing on either debt balances or interest rates. Income-driven repayment plans for federal educational loans offer flexibility and potential forgiveness. Financial literacy, budgeting, emergency funds, and professional advice are key to successful debt management.

How Mda Advocacy Saves You Money – And More, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The editorial emphasizes the value of the Michigan Dental Association’s (MDA) advocacy efforts in improving the dental practice environment and saving dentists money. Key initiatives include a bill ensuring dentists receive full payment without fees, laws regulating network leasing, and the elimination of a state tax on dental prosthetics. The MDA also helped expedite dental office reopenings during COVID-19 and ensured dental professionals were prioritized for vaccinations. Additional efforts include regulating mobile dental operations and updating regulations around sharps container replacement. The editorial encourages support for MDA advocacy through engagement and donations to the MDA Dental PAC.

Dentistry And The Law: Update On The Ftc’S Rule Banning Covenants Not To Compete, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Final Rule to ban most employee non-compete agreements, originally set to take effect on September 4, 2024, has been delayed due to ongoing litigation. Court decisions in Pennsylvania and Texas have resulted in conflicting rulings regarding the FTC's authority to enforce such a ban. A Pennsylvania district court upheld the FTC's power to regulate non-compete agreements, while a Texas court ruled against it, declaring the ban arbitrary and capricious. No appeals have been filed yet, and the issue remains unresolved, with potential appellate court decisions and the results of the presidential election likely influencing the …

Staff Matters: Things For Practices To Consider During The Election Season, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The column addresses how a practice owner can support staff who wish to vote in person during a busy workday while maintaining a respectful and productive work environment. Suggestions include offering flexible scheduling or paid time off to allow voting, along with proactive communication to understand staff needs. It also highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries for political discussions in the office to prevent disruptions and maintain a respectful atmosphere. Emphasizing civility, respect, and patient care, the column advises discussing these expectations with staff to avoid conflicts.

Mda Foundation: The Mda Foundation’S Access To Care Grants Are On The Rise, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation has increased its grant awards by 13.5% this year, providing $117,500 to 12 organizations focused on improving access to dental care. Notable recipients include the Gary Burnstein Clinic, awarded a second Diversity and Inclusion grant, and three new organizations: the Shelter Association of Washtenaw, Trinity Community Care, and the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Several returning grantees, including Malta Clinic and VINA Clinic, saw increased funding to continue offering free or reduced-cost dental services. Despite slight reductions for a few organizations, the overall grant program expanded, with the Foundation’s total awards increasing by 7.3%. The Foundation continues to …

A Problem-Solving Tool You Can Use, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month, the MDA Editor discusses a presentation from the summer board meeting that resulted in nostalgic recollection of the '90s hit "Whoomp! (There It Is)" and the evolution of her career from a dental student to managing a large practice. The article introduces the WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) method, a problem-solving tool used to address challenges in patient scheduling due to a shortage of hygienists. By applying WOOP, the practice aims to prioritize reliable patients and manage appointments more effectively, ultimately reducing stress and improving workflow.

J Mich Dent Assoc September 2024

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 highlights Michigan's dental schools and provides practical information for dentists. Key Content:

• Cover Stories: Features written by the deans of the University of Detroit Mercy and the University of Michigan dental schools.
• CDT Code Revision: A guide on how to contribute to the revision of the Current Dental Terminology code.
• UP Dental Meeting: An overview of the upcoming Upper Peninsula …

Deans Report Udm: The World Needs Titans -- Serving Our Community And Beyond, Mert N. Aksu Dds, Jd, Mhsa, Cert. Dph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Detroit Mercy's Dental School is experiencing increased popularity despite a growing number of dental schools nationwide. The school emphasizes a learner-centered approach, focusing on student development and clinical experience. Key changes to the curriculum include increased integration of biomedical sciences and case-based learning. Detroit Mercy's commitment to excellence, community service, and humanistic care sets it apart from other dental schools.

You Can Drive Cdt Code Changes: Essential Tips For Success, Frank J. Pokorny Ii, Mba, Facd(Hon)

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The American Dental Association (ADA) Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT) undergoes annual updates to reflect evolving dental practices. Building on Mr. Pokorny's April 2024 article, "Dentistry’s CDT Code: Its Origins, Use, and Future," published in the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association1, this article examines the process for requesting changes to the CDT code set. Overseen by the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs’ Code Maintenance Committee (CMC), the process provides clear guidelines for submitting change requests. This paper outlines the types of permissible changes and the rationale behind them, offering dentists and other stakeholders the opportunity to …

Dentistry And The Law: Hiring A Crna To Work In Your Practice, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column addresses whether a dental practice can hire a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to administer anesthesia. A CRNA can be hired if the requirements of Michigan's MCL 333.17210 and the Michigan Administrative Code are met. The CRNA must have sufficient experience or advanced degrees and work collaboratively in a patient-centered care team. The dental office must have policies for immediate clinical response, and all involved personnel must be certified in basic cardiac life support. Additional rules apply depending on the sedation level provided.

The New Professional: Tips For Dealing With Unpleasant Patients, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article emphasizes the importance of managing unpleasant patients in dentistry through empathy, effective communication, and tailored care. Dentists should understand that patient anxiety often stems from fear or past trauma. Building trust through clear explanations, personalized comfort measures, and pain management is crucial. Techniques like guided imagery and gradual exposure can help reduce anxiety. Consistency in care and follow-up support strengthens patient relationships, making even the most challenging patients more comfortable and cooperative.

A Visit To The U.P.: The 106th Annual Upper Peninsula Dental Meeting, Elizabeth Knudsen Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Cloverland District Dental Society hosted its 106th annual meeting in Gladstone, Michigan. The event included continuing education, guest speakers, a business meeting, and social activities. The meeting also featured student involvement and discussions about rural dentistry. The next meeting will be held on Mackinac Island in June 2025.

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 …

Hold Tightly To The Human Touch, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this editorial, Dr. Dziurgot reflects on the diminishing human interaction in various services, from ordering food to medical appointments. The editorial emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal communication in dentistry, arguing that patient care should remain personalized and compassionate. The author reminisces about the personalized service of the past, stressing the need for dentists to engage directly with patients, understand their unique needs, and provide a welcoming environment. The piece calls for a return to human touch in professional practices, despite the convenience of modern technology.

Mda At Your Service: My License Expired, And I’M Overwhelmed, Kristin Johnson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Public Health Code allows a 60-day grace period for license renewal with late fees and CE requirements. For health insurance options, MDA Insurance provides assistance and quotes. Attend the MDA Health Insurance Seminar on Oct. 25 for more insights. Engage in organized dentistry via local society meetings, the MDA Leadership Forum, and the LEAD Program. MDA Insurance offers Medicare support, including educational events on Sept. 13 and 27. For more details, contact relevant MDA representatives.

The New Professional: Mastering Those Awkward Moments With Patients, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Navigating awkward moments in a dental office is essential for positive patient experiences. Establish rapport with patients, use active listening, and avoid jargon. Prepare for common scenarios, communicate clearly, and address fears. Stay calm with difficult questions and provide honest answers. Train staff through role-play and feedback, and cultivate a positive, empathetic environment. Regularly solicit patient feedback to improve. These strategies ensure patients feel valued and supported.

Mda Insurance: At Last – A Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Policy That Can Help Pay For Catastrophic Care, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Families face tough caregiving decisions due to high custodial care costs, often resulting in financial and emotional strain. MDA Insurance offers an affordable whole life insurance policy with a catastrophic loss rider, providing $2,000 monthly for up to 12 months for those unable to perform daily living activities. This policy, issued by Boston Mutual Life Insurance, is available on a guaranteed-issue basis and accumulates cash value. Apply by Aug. 30 for an Oct. 1 effective date. Contact MDA Insurance for more information.

J Mich Dent Assoc August 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 August 2024 issue, the Journal focuses on the 2024 Mission of Mercy event held in Flint Original content includes:

• A cover story on the MOM

• A feature article on Locum Tenens Dentists

• A New Professional Column

• News You Need, an editorial, and regular department articles covering MDA Foundation activities, MDA Services, Dentistry and the Law, and Staff Matters.

Additional feature article …