Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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.

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.

Mda Insurance: Voluntary Benefits Help With Employee Recruitment, Satisfaction, Retention, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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This article discusses how voluntary employee benefits can strengthen recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction in dental practices. Topics include health insurance, disability coverage, life insurance, critical illness protection, accident insurance, vision plans, and cafeteria plans. The author explains how benefit offerings can improve workplace competitiveness while helping employees manage financial risks and healthcare costs.

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.

There’S A Lot Happening In Macomb!, Michael Saba

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This article features a monthly column from the Macomb Dental Society's editor, Dr. Michael Saba.

A Place To Return, Jerry Wesley Dds

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This month's edition of the President's Message column features the new Macomb Dental Society President Dr. Jerry Wesley's inaugural article.

Macomb Dental Society Journal Summer 2026

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

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

• Give Kids a Smile
• Dedicated Dental Sportsman’s Club - 2026 Pistol Shoot
• Macomb, Oakland, Genessee, and Detroit Golf Event

Also included are regular columns from the President, Executive Director and Editor, as well as news shorts and information on upcoming events.

Clinical Corner: Pearls From Local Dentists

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 Caring for Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate.

Wmdds Bulletin Spring 2026

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

In the Spring 2026 issue, the reader will find introductions to the 2026-2027 WMDDS Board, recognition of WMDDS members for recent Michigan Dental Association awards, and "Pearls from Local Dentists" on the subject of Caring for Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate. Also included are your monthly tripartite updates, news from West Michigan counties, the President's Message, and the Editor's Letter.

Clinical Corner: Pearls From Local Dentists

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's topics include Behavior Guidance in Pediatric Dentistry, occupational pain, and occupational hearing loss

Wmdds Bulletin Winter 2026

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

In the Winter 2026 issue, the reader will find articles detailing West Michigan District Dental Society's delegation notice and election results, an Ionia/Montcalm County spotlight, and "Pearls from Local Dentists" on the subjects of Behavior Guidance in Pediatric Dentistry, occupational pain, and preventing hearing loss. Also included are your monthly tripartite updates, news from West Michigan counties, the President's Message, and the Editor's Letter.

Sfdda Newsletter Spring 2026

SFDDA Newsletter

SFDDA Newsletter includes regular columns with regional news impacting the South Florida District membership including: columns from the President and editor, feature articles relating to the field of dentistry, association events and upcoming activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

The Bent Clinician: How Dental Work Is Reshaping Your Spine - And What To Do About It, Kelly Davis Pt, Dpt, Faaompt, Mt

New Orleans Dental Association News

Musculoskeletal disorders affect somewhere between 64 and 93 percent of dental professionals over the course of their careers. Neck pain, shoulder aches, low back fatigue — these aren’t just the cost of doing good work. They are predictable patterns that, with the right understanding, you can absolutely change.

Noda News Summer 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.

July 2026 Mda At Your Service — Who Can Supervise Dental Assistant Radiography Training In Michigan?, Mda Membership Department Staff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Q&A feature provides practical guidance on common professional and licensing questions for Michigan dentists. It clarifies that any licensed dentist can supervise required dental assistant radiography training, highlighting the MDA's online program. The article also offers advice for new dentists looking to connect with colleagues through local societies and the "New Doc Connection" online hub. Additionally, it outlines the mandatory steps for updating a professional license after a legal name change and directs members to valuable MDA resources for navigating dental insurance contracts and third-party payer agreements.

J Mich Dent Assoc July 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 July 2026 (Volume 108, No. 7) 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 July 2026 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association celebrates the 40th anniversary of the association's …

July 2026 Feature Article 2 — Burning Mouth Syndrome In Dental Settings: Clinical Clues, Diagnostic Approaches, And Management With Topical Doxepin And Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Elizabeth R. Hatfield, Dds, Elizabeth A. Van Tubergen, Dds, Phd, Felipe Nör Dds, Ms, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This clinical case report explores Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS), a chronic pain condition predominantly affecting post-menopausal women. Describing BMS as a diagnosis of exclusion with often idiopathic origins, the authors present a case study of a 54-year-old female patient. They review the challenges of traditional management and detail a novel, effective treatment using a combination of topical doxepin oral rinse and oral alpha-lipoic acid. The article provides dentists with practical strategies for recognition and diagnostic procedures, emphasizing their role as the first line of care for improving the quality of life for BMS sufferers.

July 2026 Mda Insurance — Voluntary Benefits Help With Employee Recruitment, Satisfaction, Retention, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Craig Start, president of MDA Insurance, addresses the ongoing dental staffing shortage by advocating for comprehensive employee benefit packages. He explains how offering a mix of employer-paid and voluntary benefits, such as disability, life, and vision insurance, can make a practice a more desirable employer. The article specifically highlights the MDA Health Plan and employee-paid options like critical illness insurance, which help offset financial exposure from high-deductible plans. Start notes that these voluntary benefits are cost-effective for employers and can be administered through pre-tax cafeteria plans to improve employee economic security and retention.

July 2026 Feature Article 3 — Introducing: The Great Lakes Dental Summit!, Emily Varsanik, Annie Mcintosh

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article announces the reimagining of the Michigan Dental Association's flagship annual meeting, evolving from the MDA Annual Session into the Great Lakes Dental Summit, set to debut in 2027. The transition reflects the changing needs of dental professionals who desire more integrated, collaborative experiences beyond traditional lectures. The summit will feature segmented programming, expanded networking opportunities, and a more inclusive approach for the entire dental team. By focusing on well-being and innovation while maintaining high-quality CE, the MDA aims to provide a renewed and exceptional in-person connection for its members.

July 2026 The Back Page — Fighting Burnout By Building A Better Sense Of Community, Tamar Shrikian, Dmd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Tamar Shrikian shares a personal commentary on overcoming professional burnout by seeking fulfillment outside the clinical setting. Identifying isolation as a key factor in clinician stress, she discusses her transformative experience joining a community chorus. The article introduces the concept of a "third place"—a social space distinct from home and work—as essential for maintaining a healthy identity beyond being a health care provider. Shrikian encourages her colleagues to actively build social connections, whether through faith communities, hobbies, or organized dentistry, to foster mutual support and overall well-being within the profession.