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Dentists Beyond The Chair: Caitlynn Haas, Dds, Holland, Mi, Rachel Sinacola Dds, Ms

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

"Dentists Beyond the Chair" focuses on the out of office interests and lifestyles of West Michigan dentists. This article features Dr. Caitlynn Haas: a Holland, MI dentist and fitness center owner.

2025 Silent Bell Recipient: Richard W. Panek, Dds

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

The West Michigan District Dental Society’s highest award is the Distinguished Service Award. This award, also known as the “Silent Bell,” is given to recognize contributions to organized dentistry. These contributions include service to dental professionals, patients, and the community.

Dr. Richard Walter Panek, a devoted oral surgeon and community leader, is honored with the 2025 Silent Bell Award. His life reflects compassion, practicality, and service, shaped by his Polish roots, faith, and deep commitment to family, dentistry, and the broader West Michigan community.

Wmdds Bulletin Winter 2025

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

In the Winter 2025 issue, the reader will find the following articles:

• 2025 Silent Bell Recipient: Richard W. Panek, DDS, as well as Silent Bell Night Celebration Highlights and a list of Past Recipients

• Dentists Beyond the Chair: Caitlynn Haas DDS, Holland, MI

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

Sealing Ability Of White Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Mixed With 2.25% Sodium Hypochlorite Gel Used For Repairing Furcal Perforations In Primary Molars: An In Vitro Study, Mawia M. Karkoutly, Saleh B. Al Kurdi, Nada Bshara

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and 2.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) gel mixture in repairing furcal perforation in primary molars using methylene blue dye penetration.

Materials and methods:
It was an in vitro experimental study. Sixty human primary molars were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15). Group 1 (MTA + distilled water (DW)): Furcal perforations were repaired with MTA and DW mixture. Group 2 (MTA + NaOCl gel): Furcal perforations were repaired with MTA and 2.25% NaOCl gel mixture. Group 3 (Positive control): Furcal perforations left untreated. Group 4 (Negative …

Investigating The Impact Of Drug Delivery Systems On The Efficacy Of Emla Cream For Palatine Anesthesia In Children Aged 7 To 11 Years., Farah M. Babakurd, Shadi K. Azzawi

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Background & Aim: This research aims to find alternatives to the traditional painful palatine local injection used during the extraction of upper temporary teeth. The study seeks to enhance the effectiveness of EMLA cream over a suitable duration for child response (3 minutes) by utilizing drug delivery systems, including a permeability enhancer (DMSO), oral patches, and microneedle patches for palatine injections while using only lidocaine injections from the vestibular side.

Materials and Methods: The research sample consisted of 75 children, who were

randomly divided into five groups of 15 children each. The studied material or method was applied …

The Relationship Between Maternal Dental Anxiety And Children's Dental Anxiety: A Cross-Sectional Study, Mariam I. Sharaf, Mayssoon A. Dashash

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Background and aim of the study: Dental fear and anxiety are one of the main challenges in pediatric dentistry, and dental fear and anxiety are a common reason for avoiding dental treatments, which may lead to deterioration of oral health status over time. Many researchers have shown that the relationship between parents and children has a direct impact on dental anxiety in children, so this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the relationship between dental anxiety in mothers and dental anxiety in children.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 children and their mothers …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Cinnamon Oil On Pain Severity Caused By Needle Pick During Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block In Children, Hiba N. Khalouf, Mohammad Bashier Al Monaqel

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Objectives: Despite the great development witnessed by dentistry, pain during the insertion of a local anesthesia needle is still the main cause of fear and anxiety in children, and with the spread of many methods to relieve pain, research is still ongoing to find an effective surface anesthetic to relieve pain well, so the aim of this research was to take advantage of the available and cheap non-pharmacological natural materials in achieving this goal.

Materials and Methods: A randomized, double-blind clinical study was conducted involving 60 children from the Pediatric Dentistry Department of Damascus University. Cooperative children were selected …

Comparing Two Types Of Distraction (Passive And Active) During Primary Mandibular Molar Pulpotomy (Randomized Controlled Trial), Ekram A. Alsibai, Nada Bshara

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the types of passive distraction - by watching cartoons - and active distraction - by video games - during pulpotomy on the primary mandibular molars in children.

Materials and Methods: The research sample consisted of 70 children who were randomly divided into two groups according to the distraction method used:

Group (1): 35 children who used the active distraction technique by video games through a wireless gaming handpiece.

Group (2): 35 children who used the passive distraction technique by watching cartoons films.

Children were selected from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry …

Impact Of An Oral Health Education Program On Institutionalized Visually Impaired Children In Syria, Batool M. Al Mughrabi, Yusra H. Haddeh, Mayssoon A. Dashash

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Background: Children with visually impairments encounter numerous challenges in maintaining adequate oral hygiene. Their reliance on caregivers limits their ability to utilize visual aids and engage with the medical instructions typically found in standard dental health education programs.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health education (OHE) delivered through two different methods: audio and tactile, on the Knowledge – attitude – behavior (KAB) related to oral health, as well as the oral health status of visually impaired children.

Material and Methods: A total of sixty-six visually impaired children, aged 5-18 years, residing at …

Awards And Recognition

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

School Of Dentistry Researcher Finds Passion In The Lab And On Foot, Garrison Higgins, Jacob Dougall

Virginia Dental Journal

The article highlights the passion and experiences of Janina Lewis, a researcher at VCU School of Dentistry, who balances her professional achievements with a love for running and fitness.

She Put A Smile In Your Heart, Richard F. Roadcap Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is honoring Sister Bernadette Kenny, highlighting her contributions to healthcare and community service, particularly in dental care and maternal health.

This Is The Face Of A Survivor, Tara Quinn

Virginia Dental Journal

The article highlights the impact of the Virginia Dental Association Foundation's Donated Dental Services program, showcasing the transformative dental care provided to low-income individuals, particularly through the story of a cancer survivor named Pamela.

2025 Virginia Dental Showcase

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Smart Communication Strategies Every Practice Needs To Know, Ashli Klingaman

Virginia Dental Journal

The ARTICLE provides strategies for dental practices to enhance patient communication through consistent engagement, automation, and effective content planning to improve patient retention and appointment scheduling.

Wellness Resources For Members And Students

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Ace Your Audit, Dilaine Gloege, Michael Weitzner Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article provides guidance on dental audits, emphasizing the importance of accurate documentation, coding, and compliance to prevent claim denials and ensure proper management of dental plans.

Vda Member Perks Endorses Ddsmatch Practice Transitions, Karen Wood

Virginia Dental Journal

The ARTICLE announces the endorsement of DDSmatch by VDA MEMBER PERKS for practice transitions and highlights the benefits of this partnership for VDA members.

Tips For Discussing Fluoridation With Patients

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Navigating Misinformation And Building Trust Through Communication, Michaela Mishoe

Virginia Dental Journal

The article provides guidance for dental professionals on effectively communicating and addressing misinformation about fluoride and oral health, while building trust with patients and the media.

Dental Detective Series, Zaneta Hamlin Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Through The Looking Glass, Sarah Glass

Virginia Dental Journal

This feature discusses various oral pathology cases and their diagnoses, including Pyogenic Granuloma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Dens Invaginatus, presented by dental students.

The Game Is Changing … Will You Stay In The Game?, Bruce Hutchison Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is a call to action for dentists in Virginia to contribute to the Virginia Dental Association Political Action Committee (VDA PAC) to maintain their influence in political matters affecting their profession.

2025 General Assembly Session Review, Tripp Perrin, Missy Wesolowski, Jennifer Walle Boyd

Virginia Dental Journal

The 2025 Virginia General Assembly introduced over 3,000 bills and passed nearly 1,900, including several impacting dentistry, healthcare access, and insurance practices. Key dental-related legislation addressed licensure for foreign graduates, expanded care for pregnant women, and provider fee transparency, with most awaiting gubernatorial action. Defensive efforts successfully blocked a malpractice cap increase for oral surgeons. Additional bills focused on telemedicine, prior authorization reforms, and medical debt protections.

Introducing The Fulcrum Podcast, Ryan Dunn, Paul Logan, Shannon Jacobs

Virginia Dental Journal

The feature introduces The Fulcrum Podcast, which discusses important topics affecting dental providers and patients, featuring insights from various contributors on workforce challenges, legislative issues, and best practices in dentistry and more.

Retired Dentists – An Untapped Pool Of Volunteers, Mayer G. Levy Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article advocates for retired dentists to volunteer by simplifying the process of obtaining a volunteer license, highlighting the untapped potential of this group to serve underserved populations.

Ada’S Evolution Continues, James Mercer Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article provides updates on the American Dental Association's recent developments, including a building sale, new leadership, and initiatives to enhance member engagement and address operational challenges.

Driving Dentistry, Sarah Friend Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article offers advice to new dental graduates by drawing parallels between practicing dentistry and driving, emphasizing the importance of experience, caution, and community support.

We Are Working. Are You?, Justin Norbo Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article discusses the Virginia Dental Association's (VDA) efforts to address the dental workforce crisis, including initiatives to expand dental hygiene education, legislative advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders. It emphasizes the need for member engagement to develop solutions and highlights short- and long-term strategies to improve workforce capacity and patient care access.

Va Dent J April, May And June 2025

Virginia Dental Journal

The Spring 2025 issue of the Virginia Dental Journal (Volume 102, Number 2) highlights the Virginia Dental Association’s (VDA) continued focus on solving the dental workforce shortage through legislative advocacy, expanded educational pathways, and member engagement. President Dr. Justin Norbo outlines efforts such as partnering with colleges, supporting new training models, and pursuing licensure reforms. A key development is the debut of The Fulcrum Podcast, which offers in-depth conversations on topics like workforce issues, insurance transparency, and audit preparation.

The issue provides a detailed review of the 2025 General Assembly session, with updates on bills impacting dental practice, including …