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Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization: Diagnosis, Management, And Treatment, Giovana Anovazzi Medeiros Dds, Msc, Phd, Bahareh Enghiad Dmd, James R. Boynton Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative developmental enamel defect affecting at least one permanent first molar. Characterized by high porosity and reduced mineral content, MIH leads to hypersensitivity, post-eruptive breakdown, and increased caries susceptibility. The etiology is multifactorial, typically occurring between birth and four years of age. Management depends on severity, ranging from topical fluorides and sealants for mild cases to stainless-steel crowns or extractions for severe instances. Because porous enamel facilitates bacterial penetration and pulpal inflammation, achieving effective local anesthesia is often difficult, necessitating individualized behavioral management and early intervention to preserve tooth structure.

Life Membership Status Awarded To 61 Members, Mda Membership Department Staff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) recently awarded life membership to 61 members for their long-term commitment, requiring either 30 consecutive or 40 total years of membership. This status includes active life members, who still practice, and retired life members, who are exempt from dues. These individuals contribute to the profession through mentoring, teaching, and legislative outreach, as well as volunteering in local clinics. The article lists new life members across various Michigan districts, including Central, Detroit, and West Michigan. This recognition honors their decades of dedication to organized dentistry and their ongoing impact on both the association and their local …

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 …

Pediatric Dentists’ Best Practices When Treating Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A National Survey, Samita Gumber Bds, Mds, James R. Boynton Dds, Ms, Larry B. Salzmann Dds, Rodney J. Vergotine Bchd, Msc(Dent), Faapd, Fiadt, Fabpd, Ficd, Marita R. Inglehart Dipl. Psych., Dr. Phil., Dr. Phil. Habil

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This national survey evaluates how pediatric dentists manage patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While most practitioners collect data on oral hygiene and verbal communication, fewer assess social interaction or sensitivity-related characteristics. The study suggests using supplemental intake forms to plan appointments based on individual needs and functioning levels. Key accommodations reported include behavior guidance, modified appointment times, and operatory adjustments. Results indicate that increased professional experience with ASD correlates with more comprehensive data collection and a higher perceived value of that information. Ultimately, partnering with parents is vital for creating successful dental encounters for children with ASD.

What About Our Teen-Age Patients?, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial advocates for "mentally treating" teenage patients, specifically those around 14 years of age, as adults. By respecting their concerns and allowing age-appropriate decisions, clinicians can enhance a teen's dental IQ and self-esteem. This approach fosters confidence, communication, and independence, encouraging patients to take accountability for their treatment outcomes. Respectful dialogue leads to better compliance with home care, such as using rotary brushes or wearing retainers. Ultimately, treating teenagers with empathy and valuing their opinions helps them blossom into responsible adults while building lasting professional bonds.

When Should I Pay For Continuing Education?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article outlines legal requirements for compensating staff for Continuing Education (CE) under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Training time is considered "hours worked" unless it is voluntary, outside regular hours, non-job-related, and involves no productive work. If these criteria are not met, employers must pay for training and associated travel time, including it in overtime calculations. While mileage reimbursement is not federally mandated, many practices offer it as a benefit. Creative cost-saving measures include stipends or in-office lunch-and-learns. Establishing a clear, written policy in the employee handbook is essential for consistent application and can serve as a valuable tool …

Turning Your Membership Into Measurable Value, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

MDA membership offers significant financial leverage by negotiating programs that return money to dental practices. In 2025, practices utilizing endorsed vendors realized potential annual savings exceeding $50,000. Highlighted services include MEDVA, which provides virtual assistants to reduce salary expenses by over 60%, and PPO Negotiation Solutions, which has increased some practices' collections significantly. Members also benefit from discounts on dental supplies (TDSC.com), accounting services, and precious metal refining. Furthermore, Bridge Commercial Realty assists with real estate transitions, offering fee discounts and free appraisals. Collectively, these endorsed programs are designed to offset membership dues and strengthen a practice's financial health.

Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies And Validates Genetic Variation In The Rig-I/Mavs Signaling Pathway Associated With Hiv-Related Kaposi Sarcoma In Children And Adults, Casey L Mcatee, Erin Peckham-Gregory, Pagna Sok, Melissa Richard, Luis Olivares, Deborah Marquez-Do, Grace Kisitu, Jeffrey Martin, Nader Kim El-Mallawany, Carl E Allen, Joseph Lubega, Michael E Scheurer

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Immune deficiency and infection with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) are established component causes of Kaposi sarcoma (KS), but they are insufficient to cause disease in most people at risk. Therefore, we hypothesized that genetic variation may contribute to KS risk in children and adults, as well as contribute to its unique epidemiology in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: To test this hypothesis, we conducted a two-phase genome-wide association study (GWAS): a discovery study in perinatally HIV-infected children (45 KS cases, 91 controls), followed by validation of significant results in a sample of adults living with HIV (215 cases, 262 controls). After standard …