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Pearls From Local Dentists: The Problem In Your Practice Probably Isn’T A Staffing Problem

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

"Clinical Corner: Pearls from Local Dentists" is a section of the WMDDS Bulletin where local dentists share clinical wisdom for fellow practitioners. This edition discusses The Problem in Your Practice Probably Isn’t a Staffing Problem.

Fluoride Started Here — And The Fight Over It Never Really Ended

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

In the 1950s, opponents called fluoridation a communist plot (yes, really, it’s the gag behind Dr. Strangelove and his “precious bodily fluids”). The costume has changed every decade since, but the resistance never actually went away. It just waited. And right now, it's back in force: in 2025, Utah and Florida became the first states to ban community water fluoridation outright, bills to do the same were introduced in roughly twenty more, and federal agencies have begun re-reviewing the science and walking back the longstanding recommendation. Eighty years after Grand Rapids led the way, the thing we thought was settled …

Wmdds Bulletin Summer 2026

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

In the Summer 2026 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles: 

• 2026 WMDF Golf Outing Results
• MDA’s Speaker of the House Spotlight
• Fluoride Started Here—and the Fight Over it Never Really Ended
• Pearls from Local Dentists: The Problem in Your Practice Probably Isn’t a Staffing Problem

Also included are your monthly tripartite update, news from West Michigan counties, the President's Message and Editor's Letter.

The Anxious Patient: How Breathing, Presence, And Calming Cues Transform What Happens In The Dental Chair, Kelly Davis Pt, Dpt, Faaompt, Mt

New Orleans Dental Association News

In part two of her three-part series for NODA News, Dr. Kelly Davis, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, MTC, explains why a dentist's own regulation is one of the most powerful tools in the operatory. Dental anxiety triggers a genuine sympathetic nervous system response — elevated heart rate, muscle guarding in the jaw and neck, and a body primed for threat — that makes procedures harder for patient and clinician. Dr. Davis introduces co-regulation, the neuroscience-backed principle that a calm, grounded provider can help settle an anxious patient's nervous system through presence alone. She offers concrete, simple techniques dentists can use before, …

The Increasing Degree Of Salivary Diagnostics In Healthcare, Kristi M. Soileau, Joseph Zimmermann, Preston Tran

New Orleans Dental Association News

Saliva is being researched as a potential significant player in disease diagnostics. The financial implications could likely become much more noteworthy, as dentists and physicians recognize. The many benefits of salivary testing over the more traditional methods of blood and urine sampling, while there remains much research to be performed to fully elucidate both the benefits and limitations of salivary diagnostics, this field promises to shine a brighter light on making healthcare testing more affordable, practical, and pleasant overall.

Noda News September 2026

New Orleans Dental Association News

New Orleans Dental Association (NODA) News includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New Orleans membership including: columns from the President and Executive Director, feature articles relating to the field of dentistry, association events and upcoming activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Department Of Health Exerts Strong Control Over Cbct In Dental Offices: Regulations, Adopted Over Objection From Nysda, Take Effect Immediately., Lance Plunkett Jd, Llm

The New York State Dental Journal

On July 22, the New York State Department of Health finally adopted an entire set of new regulations covering all aspects of ionizing radiation. Contained in Article 16 of Title 10 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (10 NYCRR), the new regulations repealed and replaced the old Article 16. It is important to note that the new regulations are in effect only in counties outside of New York City. Dentists in New York City should still rely on guidance from the city Department of Mental Health and Hygiene. The regulations contain …

Prevalence Of Acute Periapical Abscesses In Cannabis Users, Ilan Rotstein D.D.S., Joseph Katz D.M.D.

The New York State Dental Journal

Background: Cannabis use and cannabis-related disorders have increased significantly worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of acute periapical abscesses (PAs) in cannabis users.

Methods: Data from 1,799,122 patients were analyzed and the odd ratio (OR) of acute PAs and their association with cannabis use were statistically compared.

Results: Patients using cannabis showed significantly more PAs than nonusers. The difference was statistically significant. Following adjustment for diabetes and smoking comorbidities, the statistical difference remained significant.

Conclusion: The risk for acute PAs is significantly higher in cannabis users as compared to nonusers.

Volume 32, Issue 3

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

The 3rd Quarter 2026 issue of the Articulator explores the evolving clinical, professional and personal challenges shaping dentistry today, from emerging aligner technology and periodontal science to leadership and professional well-being. Articles include:

• MDDS President Dr. J.R. Franco reflects on family history, justice, patient advocacy and the responsibility of dentists to create meaningful change through organized dentistry.
• Dr. Amisha Singh examines how service and achievement can become tied to professional identity, and encourages dental professionals to find purpose and worth beyond accomplishment.
• Ms. Laura Ramsey explores advances in clear aligner therapy, including digital workflows, artificial intelligence and 3D printing, while …

Becoming Instead Of Achieving, Amisha Singh Dds, Edd

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

MDDS, CO-Editor, Dr. Amisha Singh reflects on how service and achievement can become tied to identity in dentistry. She explores the pressure to be productive, useful and needed as well as the importance of finding worth beyond accomplishments.

Art, Advocacy & A Path Forward, J. R. Franco Dds

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

MDDS President J.R. Franco reflects on the personal experiences, family history and art that shaped his views on justice, patient advocacy and the role of dentists as healers. He connects evidence-based, prevention-focused care with the responsibility of dental professionals to advocate for patients and meaningful change through organized dentistry.

Inflammatory And Immunological Basis Of Periodontal Diseases, Thomas Van Dyke Dds, Phd

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This review examines periodontitis as a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease shaped by interactions between the host response and oral microbiome. It explores how immune cells, inflammatory mediators and impaired resolution pathways contribute to connective tissue destruction and alveolar bone loss, while also considering links between periodontal and systemic inflammation. The authors highlight emerging research that may support more precise diagnostic and immune-based treatment strategies.

Aligner Technology Today:, Laura Ramsey

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Clear aligner therapy continues to advance through digital scanning, AI, treatment-planning software and emerging 3D-printing technologies. This article explores how these innovations are improving efficiency and expanding treatment options while emphasizing that successful outcomes still depend on sound diagnosis, biomechanics and clinical judgment.

Preparing For The Next Big Thing: We’Ve Seen What Ai Can Do. Now, Get Ready For Cloning., Stuart L. Segelnick Dds, Ms

The New York State Dental Journal

Until recently, artificial intelligence was seen as science fiction. Now, it is interwoven into all aspects of our lives, including our dental practice. Cloning may be the next futuristic fantasy to permeate our consciousness. According to Leslie G. Biesecker, M.D., director and NIH Distinguished Investigator, Center for Precision Health Research, “Cloning, as it relates to genetics and genomics, involves using scientific methods to make identical, or virtually identical, copies of an organism, cell or DNA sequence.” As the cloning process and other bioengineering techniques advance, one can only wonder how and when they will impact the dental landscape.

Odontogenic Myxoma In Maxilla: A Case Report, Deepak Gupta, Ravinder Singh, Nazrana Maqbool B.D.S., Rakashree Chakraborty B.D.S., M.D.S.

The New York State Dental Journal

Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a rare, benign but locally invasive intraosseous neoplasm. It is known to arise from the mesenchymal portion of the tooth germ. Although it is a slow-growing tumor, maxillary odontogenic myxomas can lead to increased morbidity caused by invasion into the maxillary sinus and middle cranial fossa. Further, it is also important to delineate the margins of OM to achieve a better treatment outcome. Here we present a case of a maxillary odontogenic myxoma in a 26-year-old female patient. The patient presented with swelling on the upper right side of the face. Computed tomography scan revealed a …

A Systematic Review Of Recommendations For Asynchronous Teledentistry, Helen Chen D.D.S., Seeun Mo D.D.S., Rami Habib D.D.S., Hannah Kim D.D.S., Madusha Perera D.D.S., Courtney H. Chinn D.D.S., M.P.H.

The New York State Dental Journal

Background: COVID-19 renewed interest in teledentistry to improve access to oral healthcare. This review assessed recommendations for asynchronous teledentistry regarding image capturer, device, target population, capture protocol and diagnostic ability.

Methods: Five reviewers conducted a PRISMA guided search for eligible studies published from 2000–2023. Articles were independently evaluated using a four-point rubric.

Results: Sixteen articles were included, with a mean score of 5.38/15. The lowest score was for image capturer, and the highest for diagnosis of oral disease.

Conclusion: Limited evidence supports standardized protocols, underscoring the need for further research on best teledentistry practices.

Udm Dean's Report - A Look At The Student Of Today As We Prepare Them For Tomorrow, Mert N. Aksu Dds, Jd, Mhsa, Cert. Dph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

UDM Dental School Dean Mert N. Aksu discusses the profiles, expectations, and challenges of modern dental students, highlighting their collaborative nature, tech-savviness, and focus on wellness and work-life balance. The report outlines UDM's clinical curriculum enhancements, including systems-based biomedical integration, and extensive clinical practice labs. Aksu addresses the substantial 58% inflation-adjusted rise in educational debt since 2008 and updates on community service rotations (Corktown Clinic, Titans for Teeth), the implementation of the new Vermont Track for rural care, the adoption of AI radiographic analysis, and comprehensive student mental health support programs.

Um Dean's Report - Meeting The Challenge Of Educating Dentists In A Constantly Evolving Profession, Jacques E. Nör

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

University of Michigan School of Dentistry Dean Jacques Nör highlights the school's historical legacy during its 150th anniversary and details recent academic, clinical, and research progress. Key developments include the establishment of the state-of-the-art Digital Dentistry Center for in-house digital workflows, a pediatric certificate program in Social Epidemiology funded by a $2.1 million federal grant, the transition to Epic electronic health records (integrated with MyChart), and the community-based collaborative care rotation program in Marquette. The report also highlights national faculty leadership roles and $24.1 million in research funding.

Patient-Centered Imaging In Dentistry, Erika Benavides Dds, Phd, Fabiana Naomi Soki, James R. Geist Dds, Ms, Angela M. Hoikka, Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This clinical feature discusses joint guidelines by the ADA and AAOMR for patient-centered dental radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), emphasizing individual risk-based needs rather than routine schedules. It covers the principles of radiation safety: justification, optimization (ALARA/ALADA), and dose limitation. The article maps out specific imaging modalities recommended for caries, periodontal disease, endodontics, orthodontics, implants, and TMJ disorders. Additionally, it summarizes Michigan's administrative rules for X-ray installation shielding, equipment alignment, stable mechanical support, operator positioning, and the mandatory radiography training program requirements for dental assistants.

Mda Public Relations Grant Program Opens Applications For 2026 Cycle, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association is opening applications for its 2026 Public Relations Grant Program, offering individual grants of up to $5,000, with $30,000 in total funding, to support component dental societies. The program funds creative community-focused initiatives scheduled for 2027 that educate the public and promote oral health, excluding purely charitable clinical care. Eligible projects emphasize relationship-building and community engagement. Highlighted success stories from previous cycles include oral health kit distributions, youth-focused educational events, and the expansion of the 'Give Kids A Smile' exams and preventive care clinics across Michigan.

J Mich Dent Assoc Sept. 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-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The September 2026 (Volume 108, No. 9) issue of the Journal is published in 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 full compilation of the September 2026 Journal of the Michigan Dental Association features the deans' reports from the …

From The President - The Transformative Value Of Our Profession, Melanie E. Mayberry, Dds, Ms-Hcm

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Melanie E. Mayberry, MDA President, reflects on the transformative value of dentistry on both patients and the personal lives of practitioners. The article emphasizes how the dental profession builds stronger communities through service, empathy, mentorship, and continuous learning. Highlighting student and patient resilience in the face of adversity, Mayberry draws inspiration from events like the Kalamazoo Mission of Mercy, where volunteers provided over one million dollars in free dental care. She encourages dentists of all generations to foster a community of belonging, embrace professional evolution, and appreciate the spiritual and personal rewards of their service.

J Mich Dent Assoc August 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-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The August 2026 (Volume 108, No. 8) issue of the Journal is published in 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.

The August 2026 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association explores clinical, professional, legal, leadership, and public …

From The Editor: Is Giving Actually Better Than Receiving?, Romesh Nalliah

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial examines the relationship between generosity, volunteerism, and well-being. Using the Michigan Dental Association Foundation’s Mission of Mercy as a focal point, the author highlights research suggesting that prosocial behavior can improve mental and physical health while benefiting communities in need. The article encourages oral health professionals to use their skills and resources to support underserved populations through volunteer service, mentorship, and community engagement.

Mda At Your Service: Updating Your Practice Roster With The Mda, Mda Membership Department Staff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This question-and-answer article provides practical guidance for MDA members on updating practice rosters, accessing continuing education opportunities, addressing staffing shortages through virtual assistants, and participating in the MDA LEAD Program. The article highlights available member resources and emphasizes professional development, workforce support, and leadership growth within organized dentistry.

Mission Of Mercy: Restoring Smiles With Dignity, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature chronicles Michigan’s 2026 Mission of Mercy clinic, where more than 1,200 volunteers provided 5,656 procedures to 771 patients. The article describes patient experiences, volunteer contributions, and the extensive planning required to transform a sports arena into a temporary dental clinic. Beyond oral healthcare delivery, the program restored confidence, relieved pain, and highlighted the dental profession’s commitment to serving underserved populations.

The Power Of The Tripartite: Defending Fluoridation Together, Sarah Stuefen Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article describes a successful grassroots effort to preserve community water fluoridation in Vinton, Iowa. The author details how local dental professionals, state dental associations, the American Dental Association, public health experts, and community stakeholders collaborated to educate decision makers and advocate for evidence-based public health policy. The experience demonstrates the importance of coordinated advocacy and organized dentistry in protecting oral health initiatives.

The Invisible Work: On Expertise, Showmanship, And The Trust That Makes Surgery Work, Anish Gupta D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This commentary examines how clinicians can make their expertise more visible to patients through communication, education, and clinical narration. Drawing parallels to surgical checklists and professional mastery, the author argues that trust is built not only through excellent outcomes but also through helping patients understand the complexity and judgment behind treatment. The article emphasizes communication, transparency, education, and mentorship as important elements of patient-centered care.

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.

Staying Connected In A World Of Constant Communication, Chris Gorecki Dds

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This article features a monthly column from the Macomb Dental Society Executive Director, Dr. Christopher Gorecki.