Health Law and Policy Commons^™

News You Need, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This news update summarizes MDA Board of Trustees activities, including the 2026 budget approval and legislative advocacy for licensure reform and Social Security privacy. It promotes National Children’s Dental Health Month and the biennial Mission of Mercy event. The news covers the appointment of a new Chief Experience Officer, the launch of the MDA Matters video podcast, and announcements for scholarships and award-winners.

Where Can I Get Information About Osha And Miosha Regs?, Rachel Sinacola Dds, Ms, Mda Membership Department Staff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This question and answer column serves as a resource for dental practice management, directing members to information on OSHA and MIOSHA regulations, bloodborne pathogens, and needlestick protocols. It promotes the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, highlighting CE opportunities and donated lab work. The source also provides details on the Certified Dental Business Professional (CDBP) credential and explains membership dues assistance programs, such as waivers and payment plans.

Top Documenting Mistakes To Avoid: Reduce Your Risk Of A Malpractice Case, Jeff Spindler Mda Ifg, Lynda Farnen Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month’s cover story addresses the critical importance of accurate patient records in reducing the risk of malpractice suits and Board of Dentistry discipline. It identifies common documenting errors, such as charting only abnormal findings, failing to identify the specific treatment provider, and omitting treatment discussions or drug administration details. The authors emphasize that documentation is a team-wide responsibility and offer guidance on correcting errors and adhering to record retention requirements.

Could Have Seen That Coming: New York State Department Of Health Taken To Task For Failing To Provide Proper Oversight Of Medicaid Managed Care Provider Networks, Lance Plunkett Jd, Llm

The New York State Dental Journal

A recent audit conducted by the Office of the New York State Comptroller (OSC) found that the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) oversight of Medicaid managed care healthcare provider networks was largely illusory and a paperwork sham. This raises the much larger question of whether Medicaid managed care is really serving the population of Medicaid patients. It is already almost a given that it is not serving healthcare providers well.

Dental Professionalism In A Changing World: Challenges & Opportunities, Robert P. Iovino, Dds, Ma Dds, Ma

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This manuscript examines the erosion of traditional dental professionalism amid rising educational costs, declining membership in professional associations, and the growing influence of corporate ownership and private equity in dentistry. Drawing perspectives from economics, sociology, philosophy, law, and ethics, it traces the historical development of professional licensure and its role in safeguarding clinical autonomy, ethical integrity, and public trust. The analysis highlights how deregulation and profit-driven practice models challenge the profession’s social contract. The manuscript argues that preserving strong civic institutions, restrictive licensure standards, and humanities-informed education is essential to sustaining dentistry as a learned profession rather than a commodified …

J Am Coll Dent 2026 92 2b

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This special issue of the Journal of the American College of Dentists responds to a growing but long-underrecognized demand for humanities and ethics in dental education, practice, and scholarship. It emerges from the work of the National Collaborative on Humanities and Ethics in Dentistry (NCHED), a multi-institutional partnership formed in 2023 to address the persistent exclusion of dentistry from broader health humanities conversations. Through national webinars and scholarly collaboration, NCHED has demonstrated substantial interest in ethical reflection, historical analysis, narrative inquiry, and the arts as essential to understanding oral health and dental care.

The unexpectedly strong response to the call …

J Mich Dent Assoc January 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons. The January 2026 (Volume 108, No. 1) issue of the Journal is published in a print format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

This issue includes feature articles on Pediatric Dentistry and 2025 Life Membership recipients.

Regular monthly contributions include:

• Editorial …

Government And Insurance And Access (Cgia) Update, James Budd Mpp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Board of Trustees has established its 2026 legislative priorities, focusing on dental loss ratios, assignment of benefits, and virtual credit card payment reform. Key issues include addressing the workforce shortage, student debt, and improving Medicaid anesthesia reimbursement. The update also tracks several House Bills, such as those regarding voluntary license surrender (HB 4929) and foreign-trained dentist licensure (HB 4921), which the MDA opposes to maintain standards. Despite a slow legislative session in 2025, the MDA continues to advocate for transparency in third-party litigation and updates to specialty advertising rules. These efforts aim to protect the profession and ensure …

Is Being A Shareholder ‘In Name Only’ A Problem?, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column addresses the legal risks for Michigan dentists entering "shareholder in name only" agreements with non-dentist entities. Michigan law requires dental practices to be owned by licensed dentists to ensure professional control over public healthcare. Arrangements where management companies or manufacturers can reclaim stock for a nominal fee effectively strip the dentist of true ownership. This lack of control can lead to ethical conflicts, such as pressure to sell specific appliances regardless of professional judgment. Engaging in such schemes may endanger a dentist's license by thwarting state laws intended to protect clinical independence.

Impact In Action: Your Michigan Dental Association Foundation, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, works to promote better dental health and support the future dental workforce through educational scholarships. The Foundation’s impact is increasing yearly, evidenced by a 42% increase in scholarship awards in 2024, providing $44,000 to 15 recipients. It also provides grants to statewide organizations delivering dental care to uninsured, impoverished, and underserved populations, awarding $141,500 in 2025. A high-profile program is the biannual Michigan Mission of Mercy (MOM), which provided over $1.1 million in donated care in Flint in 2024. Support is generated through various fundraisers, including the Year-End Fundraising Campaign.

Mda At Your Service: A Deaf Person Wants To Become My Patient, Rachel Sinacola Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The column clarifies that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), dental offices must provide auxiliary aids or services for patients with hearing impairments, which may require a professional interpreter paid for by the dentist in complex visits. Members are encouraged to notify the MDA about practice/life changes (e.g., address changes or caseload shifts) to ensure proper benefits and dues discounts. New associates are strongly urged to utilize the MDA resource for contract review, which offers a 10% discount with Kerr Russell Attorneys. Additionally, the MDA Store provides free Labor Poster Packets, fulfilling state and federal employer requirements.

J Mich Dent Assoc December 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons. The December 2025 (Volume 107, No. 11) issue of the Journal is published in a digital-only format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions will resume in the new year.

This issue includes feature articles on the Michigan Dental Foundation, A Case for Credentialing Dental Assistants, and a feature …

The Case For Credentialing Dental Assistants, Michelle Godofsky

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Credentialing dental assistants is presented as a method to enhance productivity and address workforce shortages; currently, only about 15% of Michigan dental assistants are Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs). A case study at Thunder Bay Community Health Service, an FQHC in Northern Michigan, illustrates success, where RDAs perform expanded functions—like placing restorations and monitoring nitrous oxide—boosting clinic productivity by 16%. The clinic supports its dental assistants by covering education and exam expenses and providing study time during work hours. This investment improves job satisfaction, confidence, morale, and patient communication among staff, strengthening employee retention.

Dentistry And The Law: Miscellaneous Questions About Dental Records, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column addresses the legal requirements surrounding dental records. Dentists must furnish copies of records to patients or those acting on their behalf (with signed consent), but the original records should always be retained by the treating dentist. Patient information regarding care and treatment is confidential and privileged; disclosure requires written patient consent unless specific legal exceptions apply, such as court orders, defense of a claim, or HIPAA compliance for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. Dentists must also obtain a signed release from the patient (or guardian for minors) before displaying "before and after" photos for commercial use to avoid …

Mda Insurance: Offer Group Health Insurance To Entice Recruits, Retain Valuable Staff, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Amidst a competitive labor market, offering group health insurance is critical for attracting and retaining qualified dental staff, as it is the most highly valued employee benefit. Dentists can establish an employment policy stipulating cost-sharing for premiums, rather than paying the entire cost. The MDA strongly encourages investigating the exclusive MDA Health Plan, which offers 11 distinct plan designs powered by Priority Health. For 2026, the MDA Health Plan is increasing rates by only 4%, significantly lower than commercial group plans requesting double-digit increases (10% to 18%). Plans can be started at any time during the year, requiring about 30 …

J Mich Dent Assoc November 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The November 2025 (Volume 107, No. 11) issue of the Journal is published in both hard copy and with a digital-only format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions will resume in November.

The November issue focuses on membership along with a reprinted clinical article on the Oral Manifestations …

Dentistry And The Law: There Will Be No Ban On Covenants Not To Compete, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted on September 5, 2025, to accept a federal court ruling that it had exceeded its authority in proposing a ban on covenants not to compete (CNTCs), ending two-and-a-half years of speculation. Consequently, the enforceability of CNTCs will primarily be determined by Michigan statutory and common law. Guidelines for drafting enforceable CNTCs include setting a reasonable term, typically two years or less for employees, though purchase agreements may allow up to five years. The restricted geographic territory must be limited to what is necessary to protect the practice’s current patient population, such as a 10-mile …

The Ethical Imperative Of Preserving Federal Oversight In Academic Dentistry, Jennifer Talley, Linda Olszewski

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This article argues that federal oversight of academic dentistry by the US Department of Education (DOE) is essential to maintaining academic quality, professional standards, financial accessibility, and ethical governance. It examines the role of the DOE in the accreditation process, preserving access to financial aid, ensuring licensure eligibility, and upholding civil rights protections. The authors contend that proposals to dismantle the DOE risk undermining quality assurance, public trust, and equitable access to the profession. Without viable alternatives, preserving federal oversight remains an ethical imperative to protect students, patients, and the integrity of the dental profession.

Ethical Dilemmas Surrounding Community Water Fluoridation, Roopwant Kaur, Herminio Perez, Mark Moss

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Since the 1950s, community water fluoridation (CWF) has stood as a cornerstone of dental public health. However, a growing amount of public scrutiny necessitates reflection on the ethical basis for coming to a firm position on the topic. Aside from CWF, fluoride in the form of ingestible supplements has recently been identified as a concern by the US Food and Drug Administration. Indeed, it is challenging to wade through the facts, opinions, misinformation, and policy shifts. This article examines the ethical dilemmas that surround CWF through the lens of the American Dental Association (ADA) Principles of Ethics and Code of …

J Am Coll Dent 2025 92 1

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD) publishes scholarly articles, editorials, essays, and reflections addressing the ethical, professional, and social dimensions of dentistry. The Journal serves as a forum for advancing ethics, professionalism, leadership, and excellence within the dental community. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, JACD provides readers with insights that encourage ethical, professional practice, lifelong learning, and service to the public, reinforcing dentistry’s commitment to advancing oral healthcare and the common good.

October 10, 2025 — Letter To Senator Sanders On The Health Care Workforce Expansion Act And Improving Outcomes In Rural And Health Professional Shortage Areas, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

October 8, 2025 — Odc Letter To Cis On H-1b Visa Guidance, American Dental Association, Academy Of General Dentistry, American Academy Of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy Of Periodontology, American Association For Dental, Oral, And Craniofacial Research, American Association Of Endodontists, American Association Of Orthodontists, American Dental Education Association, American Society Of Dentist Anesthesiologists, American Student Dental Association, Hispanic Dental Association, American Academy Of Pediatric Dentistry

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

October 3, 2025 — Letter To Cms On Recent Guidance For The Rural Health Transformation Program, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

October 2, 2025 — Letter To Cis On H-1b Visa Reforms, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

Dentistry And The Law: Sponsoring A Foreign National To Work As A Dentist, Kate Mccarroll Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

To employ a foreign national as a dentist in the U.S., a valid immigration status that permits employment is necessary, usually requiring employer sponsorship. The H-1B visa is the most common option, and requires the individual to hold a bachelor's degree and a state license for patient care. H-1Bs are limited in number, with far more applicants than available visas, and selections are made through a random electronic lottery every March. Exceptions to the cap exist for foreign nationals changing employers and those sponsored by cap-exempt institutions, such as universities, allowing private practices to “borrow” this status. For Canadian or …

Mda Dental Pac: Why It’S So Important To You, James Mashni Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Dental PAC (Political Action Committee) supports the Michigan Dental Association’s (MDA) lobbying efforts on state legislation. It is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from MDA member dentists, mainly collected through a notice included in the annual dues statement. The PAC pools these funds to support political officials who advocate for issues important to organized dentistry, regardless of political party. Key advocacy priorities for 2025 include establishing Dental Loss Ratio laws, legislating Assignment of Benefits, regulating Virtual Credit Card Payments, addressing fees for Non-Covered Services, and increasing Medicaid Anesthesia Reimbursement. The PAC is managed by a Board of Governors …

J Mich Dent Assoc October 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADACommons. The October 2025 (Volume 107, No. 10) issue of the Journal is published in a digital-only format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions will resume in November. The October issue highlights the critical importance of advocacy through the MDA Dental Political Action Committee (PAC) and provides practical, management-focused information …

News You Need: How Many Of These Ada/Mda Practice Resources Are You Using?

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This October, MDA offers updates and resources including support for human resources, ongoing education, and professional tools. Michigan was selected for the Medicaid Oral Health Workforce Implementation Learning Series to enhance access to care. The MDA launched HERM-E, an AI-powered digital assistant providing 24/7 access to resources and quick answers. Supporting chairside advocacy for community water fluoridation, the News reports that a national survey indicates 81% of Americans support or are neutral about water fluoridation. Applications are now open for the 2026 MDA LEAD Program, and nominations are being accepted for MDA awards and leadership positions. The News column further …

Dentistry Likely To Be Affected By Developments Of A Legal Nature, Lance Plunkett Jd, Llm

The New York State Dental Journal

A few new legal developments that affect dentistry have taken place in recent months. Prominent among these is a Big Beautiful Bill that may not be so pretty for New York State.

J Mich Dent Assoc September 2025

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 marks the return to a hybrid publishing schedule, with print issues published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September, and November, and online-only digital issues in February, April, June, August, October, and December. This return to print follows a suspension in May due to association-wide financial issues, with the MDA Board of Trustees approving changes in the 2025 budget to …