Dentistry Commons^™

The Status Of Fluoridation

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

The future of community water fluoridation is uncertain amid legal action and federal leadership changes. Fluoridation is still recommended by the federal government, with new research following those recommendations affirming previous findings of safety and efficacy, however dentists remain central to public education and advocacy. A link to updated resources from the MDA is included.

Development Of Preventive Dental Guidelines In The Primary Healthcare Setting In Egypt: A Delphi Method, Basant Mehriz

Theses and Dissertations

This study addresses the critical need for standardized preventive dental care guidelines within Egypt's primary healthcare system amid the rising burden of oral diseases. Through a systematic two-phase methodology combining a comprehensive literature review and a Delphi consensus-building process engaging 35 dental professionals, the research established priorities for contextually appropriate preventive measures. The consensus framework revealed strong support for clinical interventions (mean of 83% agreement), particularly fluoride-based prevention; community initiatives (mean of 83%), especially school-based programs; policy measures (mean of 77%) such as workforce and educational development, though with variable support for taxation and social determinants approaches. Statistical analysis demonstrated …

J Mich Dent Assoc June 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association is the leading monthly digital publication serving Michigan’s oral health community and the MDA’s 6,200+ members. Distributed globally through the searchable ADA Commons publishing platform, it is the primary channel for news, clinical insights, and professional resources for Michigan dentists.

June Issue Highlights:

• Cover Feature: An in-depth report on the MDA’s advocacy efforts beyond insurance reimbursement, highlighting recent legislative wins and member services that support practice profitability and success.
• Workforce Well-being: A special feature on the stages of stress and burnout, with strategies and resources to support mental health and resilience.
• Compliance Update: …

Teaming Up For Better Health: An Interprofessional Collaborative Approach To Older Adult Oral Care, Deborah Dowd, Jodie Lopez, Jennifer Goodman

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

Oral health is a critical component of overall health, significantly influencing systemic diseases and the quality of life in older adults. Conditions such as xerostomia, swallowing difficulties, and poor oral self-care are associated with aspiration pneumonia. Integrating oral health into healthcare in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is essential for preventing various conditions and improving quality of life. Effective oral hygiene is crucial in avoiding non-ventilator hospital-associated pneumonia by reducing oral biofilm and lowering the risk of pneumonia. Nurses' knowledge and care in oral health across healthcare settings are vital for positive health outcomes. Revising nursing curricula to incorporate oral health …

New Bayesian Methods For Longitudinal Data Analysis With Complex Dependence Structures., Anish Mukherjee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Longitudinal data in real-world settings are frequently found to be heterogeneous and exhibit intricate spatio-temporal dependence structures. Analyzing such complex data to obtain reliable estimation while quantifying uncertainty necessitates using sophisticated Bayesian methodology. In this work, we present novel Bayesian methods developed to address these challenges. We often observe heterogeneity in longitudinal data, where the mean and variance for certain profiles meaningfully differs from the rest. Some profiles may also exhibit outliers at a limited number of measurements. Using a standard mixed effects model, which assumes homogeneity, can lead to overestimating the residual variance and inefficient estimation. In this work, …

Presenting The Michigan Dental Association Award Winners For 2025, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This file announces the 2025 MDA Award winners, recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the dental profession and the community. The awards include the John G. Nolen Meritorious Award (awarded to Dr. John A. DeCarolis), the Matt Uday New Dentist Leadership Award (awarded to Dr. Riley Schaff), and the MDA Public Service Award (awarded to Dr. Denise Polk).

Other accolades include the MDA Public Relations Award (awarded to Dr. Jessica Rickert) and MDA Dental Educator Awards for faculty at the University of Michigan (Dr. Riley Schaff) and University of Detroit Mercy (Dr. Mark R. Mortiere). The Allied …

A Comparative Study Investigating Patient Experience At Corporate And Private Dental Practices., Abigail R. Logeman

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Oral healthcare is an essential aspect of an individual’s systemic health. However, many oral conditions are left untreated due to the inaccessibility to dental care. Many disparities limit access to dental care like low income and lack of insurance coverage. Untreated oral conditions are linked to systemic health problems like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pancreatic cancer. Patient experience is a driving factor in the continued involvement in dental care that would limit some of the diseases with oral health manifestations. I aim to compare patient experiences in private and corporate dental practices to provide a scope of the dental care …

Dental Access And Public Health Policy Gaps, Hafsa Tasneem

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Oral health is a key component of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked in public health policy and planning. While regular dental care can prevent long-term complications, many individuals delay or forget treatment due to barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, scheduling difficulties, and limited awareness of available resources. I did this study as I came across health disparities in underserved communities and wanted to see if the results would be similar in a university population that is insured and has access to more resources. To investigate challenges that individuals within a university community face in accessing dental …

Assessing Correlation Of Dental Health And Appalachian Culture, Samantha G. Cheek

Honors Theses

Proper dental health is crucial for overall well-being, yet access to dental care remains a significant challenge in rural Appalachia. This study examines the relationship between Appalachian cultural identity, fatalistic beliefs, and dental health. Using survey data from 20 participants at dental offices in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the study assessed correlations between Appalachian identity, fatalism, and self-reported dental health. Results indicate a high prevalence of dental health issues (95% reported significant problems), with 70% lacking dental insurance. However, correlations between Appalachian identity, fatalism, and dental health were not statistically significant. Findings suggest that while cultural factors play a role in healthcare …

J Mich Dent Assoc May 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association is published digitally each month through ADA Commons, reaching 166 countries and accumulating over 35,800 downloads. This extensive reach provides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry, our state's oral health community, and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It serves as the main publication for connecting with Michigan dentists.

The May issue features:

• An informative interview with Dr. Cheri Newman, the MDA’s new president.
• A feature article from Delta Dental on the utilization of dental services pre- and post-COVID-19 and how the continuing decline in the utilization of restorative services may impact plan design. …

It's Time For Some Important Conversations About Fluoride, Jessica R. Bentoski D.D.S., M.S., F.A.A.P.D., Sam Blanchard Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The guest editorial by the Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's Drs. Jessica Bentoski and Sam Blanchard, addresses growing public debate surrounding community water fluoridation and emphasizes the vital role of dental professionals in providing evidence-based guidance to parents. As pediatric dentists, the authors highlight that fluoride remains a cornerstone in preventing childhood caries—still the most common chronic disease in children. They stress the need to understand and address parental beliefs, misinformation, and concerns through respectful, informed dialogue. Removing fluoridation could exacerbate oral health disparities and misperceptions about fluoride safety. The authors call on colleagues to initiate important conversations, advocate for …

Mda Foundation: Lead Leads To A Key Role On The Mda Foundation, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article highlights the role of the MDA Foundation in providing opportunities for professional development and expanding the impact of dentists' careers. It focuses on Dr. Beth Rosenberg's experience, who became a Foundation Board Member after participating in the MDA's Leadership Exploration and Development Program (LEAD).

The LEAD program builds leadership skills through immersion in organized dentistry. The Foundation raises funds through various events to provide scholarships to dental students and grants to community organizations that improve access to care. The article encourages MDA members to participate in Foundation fundraisers and to consider volunteering or donating.

Dental Utilization Pre- And Post-Covid-19 Pandemic Shutdown Across Different Birth Cohorts, Anirudh Agaram, Jeff Johnston Dds, Ms, Stephen A. Eklund Drph, Dds, Mhsa

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Given the disruptions to dental practice because of COVID-19 in 2020, the question arose as to how dental patients would return to dental care in the following years, and if treatment patterns would be different, or would return to the previous patterns. Further, it was desired to understand whether patients of different ages would return to dental practices and use dental services differently. In order to assess these questions, utilization patterns among commercial enrollees within Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana were explored. The analysis, spanning from 2018 to 2023, focused on diagnostic, preventative, and restorative procedures across diverse …

Successful Flexible Bronchoscopic Extraction Of A Dental Foreign Body Aspirated Into The Left Mainstem Bronchus, Alexys Bolden, Hayden Cooper, Lynnetta Payne, Mark Coomes, Mark Cooper

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a potentially life-threatening emergency that commonly occurs in children but varies widely in clinical presentation. Rapid diagnosis and intervention are of the utmost importance to prevent complications such as airway obstruction, infection, and lung injury. While uncommon in adults, most encountered causes occur in the setting of intoxication, neuromuscular weakness, or iatrogenic dental work. Those with dental prostheses are especially susceptible due to the partially attached nature, rendering the risk of accidental dislodgement. This report discusses an uncommon case wherein an 82-year-old male aspirated a dental bridge into his left mainstem bronchus during routine dental …

From Molars To Bronchus; The Tale Of An Aspirated Dental Instrument, Yisroel Grabie, Sudeep Acharya, Fasih Sami Siddiqui, Gabriel A. Chavez Reyna, Michel Chalhoub

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Aspiration of dental instruments is a rare event that carries potentially serious complications when it occurs, especially in older patients, where protective reflexes are diminished. Clinical management may be difficult because of the risk of granulation tissue and different retrieval strategies according to the object’s characteristics. In this report, we describe the case of an 84-year-old man who aspirated a dental bur during a routine dental procedure, necessitating immediate intervention. Timely and precise management was essential to avert severe complications.

Case Presentation

During a routine dental procedure, an 84-year-old man aspirated a bud-shaped cross-cut carbide dental bur. Despite initial …

Prevalence Of Peri-Implantitis And Assessment Of Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life Among Patients With Dental Implants At Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Esther Li-Ching Ang, Zurairah Berahim, Normastura Abd Rahman, Akram Hassan, Siti Lailatul Akmar Zainuddin

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Patient-reported outcomes about peri-implantitis are lacking among the Asian population, impacting decision-making in dental implant therapy. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of peri-implantitis among Malaysian adults, and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods: Randomly selected 105 participants (adults aged 18 and above) having 265 implants were examined and diagnosed as with or without peri-implantitis (PI). Clinical examinations, including peri-implant probing depth, bleeding, and suppuration on probing with radiographic bone loss, were used to determine peri-implant status. OHRQoL of all participants were recorded using the short version of the Malaysian Oral Health Impact Profile …

Natal And Neonatal Teeth In Mississippi Newborn, Keona Sanders, Anna Mcdowell, Dr. Sarah Mccrary

Undergraduate Research Conference

Title: Natal And Neonatal Teeth In Mississippi Newborns

Submission Type: Semester Long Research/ Oral Presentation

Abstract: In recent years, we have seen a growth in Mississippi infants being born with or growing teeth at an earlier stage. This may be caused by several things, like gestational age, maternal age, or possibly the mother’s diet. We are now looking for common similarities between these infants to see what the possible cause may be. Although this may not seem detrimental, this is still very harmful for infants, causing diseases like Riga Fede Disease. This is a disease that is caused by mandibular …

87 - Maternal Dental Status And Caries Among Siblings, Monica Walker, Charity Hammond, Angela Wilson, Denise Mckinney, Katie Protogyrou

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Research has suggested that birth order or environmental factors affect siblings' oral health status during childhood. However, more recent research suggests that the strongest predictor of children's oral health status is the mother's oral health status. This project investigated the association between the oral health status of the mother during pregnancy and bacteria (biofilms) identified in cavitated lesions (dental caries) of their children’s exfoliated primary teeth. Five consenting maternal participants anonymously donated their children's primary teeth and completed a questionnaire about their oral health status during each pregnancy. After visually identifying the exfoliated teeth with dental caries, the biofilms were …

Comparison Of Untreated Caries And Caries-Risk Improvement In An Elementary-School-Based Comprehensive Dental Care Program, John-Vincent Quiao D.D.S., Gavin To, Dahea Ham, Courtney H. Chinn Dds, Mph, Elizabeth Best M.P.H., Rose Amable D.D.S.

The New York State Dental Journal

Purpose: This retrospective chart review explored differences in initial exam caries-risk assessment and mean change in untreated carious teeth at 18-month recall.

Methods: Five years of clinical records from two school site locations were reviewed. Bivariate analysis (t-test) was used.

Results: A total of 150 charts satisfied the inclusion criteria. Average caries-risk score at initial exam was significantly higher in Asians compared to non-Asians.

Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that Asian subjects show a higher initial risk assessment score. There was no significant difference in untreated caries by treatment location, which demonstrates the efficacy of school-based programs.

Michigan Can Be Proud Of Dentistry's Volunteers, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial celebrates National Volunteer Week (April 20-26, 2025) by highlighting Michigan Dental Association members' volunteer contributions. The article emphasizes dentists' participation in MDA Foundation's Missions of Mercy programs providing free dental care, involvement in organized dentistry through committees and events, and recognition through various MDA awards. The author acknowledges members' non-dental community service and expresses gratitude for volunteers whose dedication strengthens the MDA and provides essential dental care to underserved populations across Michigan.

J Mich Dent Assoc April 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 April issue marks the end of an era, as the MDA announced it would discontinue providing a print issue and focus on digital distribution.

This month’s issue includes a cover feature on going non-par, a feature article on pterygoid implant placement and restoration, candidate’s biographical statements, and information on a new membership benefit for health and well-being. Regular departments include the New …

N Y State Dent J April 2025

The New York State Dental Journal

In the April 2025 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Treatment Options for Pre-eruptive Intracoronal Resorption of Permanent Teeth: A Report of Two Cases
• Successful Treatment of a “Pedo-Endo” Lesion in a Primary First Molar
• Comparison of Untreated Caries and Caries-Risk Improvement in an Elementary-School-Based Comprehensive Dental Care Program

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New York membership including: editorial and perspectives columns, legal, association activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Mindfulness In Dental Education And Dentistry, Ellen Lee Dds, Brian Chin Mba, Melvin Lin, Jamie Chen, Daranthea Atmadja, Hazel Hong, Celine Lee, Yeonji Lee

The New York State Dental Journal

Healthcare professionals experience an enormous amount of stress. This can have a huge impact on their quality of life and may also affect their ability to manage patients. Mindfulness is one method that can be used to deal with stress. This method can be employed by practicing dentists, as well as dental students. Patients may also benefit from using mindfulness practices.

Mda Foundation: Two Great Opportunities To Help Your Foundation, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This announcement promotes two upcoming MDA Foundation fundraising events supporting scholarships and grants for dental care access initiatives.

The "Motown Magic" Sparkling Smiles event will be held April 23 during the MDA Annual Session in Detroit, featuring wine tasting, gourmet food, a silent auction, and entertainment. The MDA Foundation Golf Classic, sponsored by MDA Insurance and Services, takes place May 30 at Centennial Acres with an entry fee of $150 per person. Last year's golf event raised nearly $25,000, with proceeds benefiting oral health initiatives for underserved Michigan residents.

March 18, 2025 — 2025 Coalition Letter Supporting Dr. Lorna Breen Reauthorization Act, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

March 10, 2025 — Letter To U.S. House Of Representatives On Introduction The Action For Dental Health Act Of 2025, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

The Ethical Dilemma Of Social Media, Janet H. Southerland

New Orleans Dental Association News

Social media has transformed dentistry, enhancing communication, education, and patient engagement. However, ethical challenges, including privacy concerns and misinformation, pose risks. This article explores the benefits and challenges of social media in dentistry, emphasizing the need for ethical guidelines to uphold professional standards while leveraging digital advancements for improved care and education.

Stress Of Dental Students, Ellen Lee Dds, Ningshu Lyu Dds, Yixin Bao Dds, Yutong Fan Dds, Yueqi Gao Dds, Bryan Gu Dds, Vicky Quach Dds

The New York State Dental Journal

The purpose of this study is to assess what factors cause the most stress for students in dental school and to evaluate different ways to reduce stress. Our aim is to analyze the factors causing stress and offer strategies to help students overcome it.

J Mich Dent Assoc March 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. This month’s issue offers an insightful article on general-purpose AI to boost creativity and efficiency in dental practice. Helpful tips on protecting your reputation are provided in an article on Myths, Tips, and Tricks to manage online reviews. Readers then learn that ADA Commons provides much more than access to current and past articles and issues of the Journal of the Michigan Dental …

N Y State Dent J March 2025

The New York State Dental Journal

In the March 2025 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Manifestations of Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to Multiple Sclerosis in Dentoalveolar Region: Case Report and Literature Review
• Arteriovenous Malformation Presenting as a Disfigured and Throbbing Face: Case Report
• Stress of Dental Students

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New York membership including: editorial and perspectives columns, legal, association activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

In this month's update from the New York State Dental Foundation, readers will find a call to action in the article "Volunteers Needed to Join Effort to Alleviate …