Dentistry Commons^™

Rural Oral Health Access Disparities In New York State, Renae Williams Atkinson Dmd, Ms, Stacy Mcilduff Cfre, Hayward Derek Horton Phd

The New York State Dental Journal

Disparities in access to dental care for those whose primary/only dental insurance is Medicaid is a known issue. The infamous case of 12-year-old Deamonte Driver from Maryland brought this great need for access to private dental care through Medicaid to the fore. Yet, to this date, there has been no resource to address this great need.

Dentists accepting Medicaid fall into two categories: those who practice in federally qualified health centers (FQHC), and those who practice privately. FQHCs are known anecdotally to have long waitlists, delaying access to needed care (as in the case of Driver). This is compounded by …

Eating Disorders And Oral Health: A Dental Professional's Role, Bree Zhang

The New York State Dental Journal

Eating disorders are more common than we think, affecting 9% of the world's population and increasing in prevalence each year. Research shows early intervention provides a greater chance of recovery. Dentists must be cognizant of signs their patients may be engaged in harmful eating behavior and be prepared to intervene.

Covid-19 Safety: Perspectives From Dental Students, Man Hung, Daniel Yevseyevich, Amir Mohajeri, Nicole Hablitzel, Sharon Su, Martin S. Lipsky

Institute on Aging Publications

Background: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic created challenges for healthcare providers, especially dental professionals in practices and universities. This study investigated dental students’ concerns about COVID-19 and whether institutional communication influenced pandemic-related stressors. Methods: An online survey designed to elicit dental students’ concerns about COVID-19 was distributed to all dental students enrolled at a private non-profit academic institution in the Western United States from 26 April 2021 to 25 August 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the respondents, and Chi-square test and z-test analyses were used to compare students’ experiences. Results: A total of 92 dental students answered the survey. …

Dentistry And The Law: Don’T Overlook Corporate Transparency Act Compliance, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), entities existing as of January 1, 2024, must report beneficial ownership to FinCEN by December 31, 2024. Beneficial owners include those with 25% ownership or substantial control. Required information includes legal name, birthdate, address, and ID details. Non-compliance can result in severe civil and criminal penalties. Exceptions may apply for tax-exempt entities and large companies. Legal challenges to the CTA are ongoing, but compliance is advised.

Locum Tenens Dentists: You May Need One, Or You May Be One, Angie Kanazeh

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Locum tenens dentists temporarily fulfill the duties of an absent or short-staffed dentist. This practice is beneficial for both hiring dentists and those serving as locum tenens. For hiring dentists, considerations include ensuring the locum tenens dentist is properly licensed, credentialed with insurance networks, and adequately insured. For locum tenens dentists, benefits include flexible schedules, diverse experiences, networking opportunities, and potential higher earnings. Both parties should have clear agreements and consult with healthcare attorneys. The demand for locum tenens dentists is growing, offering valuable support in the dental community.

Hold Tightly To The Human Touch, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this editorial, Dr. Dziurgot reflects on the diminishing human interaction in various services, from ordering food to medical appointments. The editorial emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal communication in dentistry, arguing that patient care should remain personalized and compassionate. The author reminisces about the personalized service of the past, stressing the need for dentists to engage directly with patients, understand their unique needs, and provide a welcoming environment. The piece calls for a return to human touch in professional practices, despite the convenience of modern technology.

Mda At Your Service: My License Expired, And I’M Overwhelmed, Kristin Johnson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Public Health Code allows a 60-day grace period for license renewal with late fees and CE requirements. For health insurance options, MDA Insurance provides assistance and quotes. Attend the MDA Health Insurance Seminar on Oct. 25 for more insights. Engage in organized dentistry via local society meetings, the MDA Leadership Forum, and the LEAD Program. MDA Insurance offers Medicare support, including educational events on Sept. 13 and 27. For more details, contact relevant MDA representatives.

The New Professional: Mastering Those Awkward Moments With Patients, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Navigating awkward moments in a dental office is essential for positive patient experiences. Establish rapport with patients, use active listening, and avoid jargon. Prepare for common scenarios, communicate clearly, and address fears. Stay calm with difficult questions and provide honest answers. Train staff through role-play and feedback, and cultivate a positive, empathetic environment. Regularly solicit patient feedback to improve. These strategies ensure patients feel valued and supported.

Mda Insurance: At Last – A Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Policy That Can Help Pay For Catastrophic Care, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Families face tough caregiving decisions due to high custodial care costs, often resulting in financial and emotional strain. MDA Insurance offers an affordable whole life insurance policy with a catastrophic loss rider, providing $2,000 monthly for up to 12 months for those unable to perform daily living activities. This policy, issued by Boston Mutual Life Insurance, is available on a guaranteed-issue basis and accumulates cash value. Apply by Aug. 30 for an Oct. 1 effective date. Contact MDA Insurance for more information.

J Mich Dent Assoc August 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every 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.

In the August 2024 issue, the Journal focuses on the 2024 Mission of Mercy event held in Flint Original content includes:

• A cover story on the MOM

• A feature article on Locum Tenens Dentists

• A New Professional Column

• News You Need, an editorial, and regular department articles covering MDA Foundation activities, MDA Services, Dentistry and the Law, and Staff Matters.

Additional feature article …

Mda Foundation Mission Of Mercy: Transforming Lives, Relieving Pain, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation's Mission of Mercy (MOM) dental clinic in Flint provided free dental care to 659 patients over June 14-15, delivering 6,678 procedures valued at $1,156,285. The 120-chair clinic, set up by volunteers, saw patients from 35 Michigan counties and neighboring states. Patients, many of whom queued overnight, received an average of ten procedures each. Volunteers, including retired dentists, performed a wide range of services, from cleanings to complex surgeries. Translators were available to assist non-English speakers, and patients were informed about ongoing free or reduced-cost care options. The event, supported by local donations and community services, will continue …

Staff Matters: Assessing Health Benefits For Lgbtq+ Employees, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

To support LGBTQ+ employees, understand your health benefits by asking key questions about domestic partner coverage, mental health benefits, transgender healthcare, IVF, and surrogacy coverage, and identifying LGBTQ+-friendly providers. Regularly check in with staff to ensure benefits meet their needs and consider making changes if necessary. Proactively share benefit information throughout the year to enhance employee recruitment, retention, and engagement.

The Mda Forensic Dental Team Needs More Volunteers, Patrick Houlihan Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association Forensic Dental Identification Team (MDA-FDIT) urgently needs more volunteers. In this article, learn of their impressive record of service to the public and the profession, which has been widely recognized for the important role it plays in the identification of both individual victims and those of mass disasters. Formed in the early 1980s, MDA-FDIT plays a crucial role in identifying disaster victims using dental records. The team has been instrumental in identifying victims from incidents like the 1987 Northwest Flight 255 crash and has assisted in various mass-casualty situations, including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. MDA-FDIT works …

Mda At Your Service: How Can I Protect My Practice From Cybercrime?, Kristin Johnson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Cybercrime poses a significant threat to dental practices. To safeguard against attacks, the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommends educating employees on phishing, enforcing strong passwords, requiring multifactor authentication, and updating software regularly. Additional resources include Complete Dental IT for security assessments and MDA Insurance for cyber liability policies. Further support for dental practices includes the transferability of MDA Radiography Training vouchers, using specialized CPA firms for better financial insights, and guidance on insurance network decisions for hiring associates.

The New Professional: The Important Role Of Organized Dentistry In Early Career Success, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

As a new dentist, navigating the professional world requires more than clinical skills; involvement in organized dentistry is crucial. It fosters personal and professional growth, provides continuous learning through seminars and workshops, and offers networking and mentorship opportunities. Additionally, it serves as a collective voice advocating for the profession’s interests, influencing policies, and fostering leadership development. Membership grants access to practice resources and support services, helping new dentists navigate challenges and build successful careers. Ultimately, organized dentistry creates a supportive community, essential for early career success.

Smile Brighter, Michigan: Inside The Mda Public Education Campaign, Rich Evans

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association's (MDA) Public Education Campaign, active for over three decades, aims to improve oral health and encourage visits to MDA-member dentists across Michigan. Funded by member dues, the campaign uses digital advertising and the smilemichigan.com website to educate the public. Key initiatives include the Find-A-Dentist tool, the "Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body" program, and various community outreach efforts. Upcoming features include the "Story Behind Every Smile" campaign, highlighting personal stories about the impact of dental health. By promoting proactive oral care, the MDA supports better overall health for Michigan residents.

Look To Your Ada, Mda For Health, And Wellness Help, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month, MDA Journal Editor Michelle C. Dziurgot, DDS, highlights dentists' mental health challenges, emphasizing the support available through the ADA and MDA. She references a 2021 survey showing high depression rates among dentists and lists depression symptoms. The ADA provides resources and a confidential health and wellness program. Similarly, the MDA offers the Member Assistance Program with counseling services for dentists and their families. Dziurgot urges dentists to seek help and not ignore their feelings, noting the persistent stress from the pandemic and the importance of utilizing available support.

Dentistry And The Law: Unpaid Internships In Your Office: What You Should Know, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

A reprint of a previous Journal column, Mr. Schulte discusses how unpaid internships require careful legal consideration. Interns must primarily benefit educationally from their tasks to avoid being classified as employees, necessitating compensation. Office work typically performed by employees must not be assigned to interns. Patient consent is required to observe dental procedures, and interns must receive HIPAA training. Exposure to hazardous materials should be avoided, adhering to laws like Michigan’s Occupational Safety and Health Act. Proper training and task limitations ensure compliance and a beneficial internship experience.

J Mich Dent Assoc July 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every 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 is the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists.

The July issue of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) journal focuses on the member and public value of the association's Public Education Campaign through a cover story "Smile Brighter Michigan!". It also features articles on:

• How to get value from your MDA membership

• Joining the MDA Forensic Dental Team

• A new professional column, News you need, an editorial and regular department articles covering MDA …

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Staff Matters: Supporting Working Parents As A Recruitment And Retention Strategy, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Supporting employees who are parents is essential. Harvard data shows 73% of employees have caregiving responsibilities, highlighting the need for proactive strategies. First, communicate with employees to understand their needs for flexibility. Consider offering flexible schedules, part-time roles, and on-call staff to manage absences. Partnering with local childcare providers for sick coverage and allowing children at work occasionally can also help. Clear communication and defined parameters for flexibility are crucial. Implementing these strategies can build a supportive culture, enhancing employee retention and commitment.

Mda Services: Five Tips To Recruit, Retain Good Employees, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In a competitive labor market, retaining and recruiting dental staff is challenging. Key strategies include offering health insurance, pre-tax benefit options, and retirement plans, which attract long-term employees. Providing vision insurance and discounts on auto and home insurance can further enhance employee satisfaction. Updating pay scales and utilizing temporary services like Stynt can also aid in filling staff positions.

Early Intervention With Clear Aligners: A New Frontier In Paediatric Dentistry, Ritika Tiwari, Ajay Ht Rao, Sharan S. Sargod, Sundeep K. Hegde, Raksha K. Ballal, Shazma Sharief

Manipal Journal of Medical Sciences

Clear aligner therapy (CAT) has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional braces, offering a more discreet and comfortable option for orthodontic treatment, particularly in growing patients. This technique uses a set of clear, specially designed plastic trays that gradually force teeth into place. Although transparent aligners are frequently used by adults, their use in children has increased significantly, especially for those with mixed dentition (ages 6–12). Since it enables orthodontists to treat occlusal and functional problems before they worsen, this stage of dental development is essential for early intervention. The benefits of clear aligners include enhanced face and dental …

A Comparison Of Temporary Threshold Shifts In Dentists, Hygienists, And Dental Assistants, Sabina E. Ciaccio

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants. The specific aim of this study is to compare the differences in temporary shifts caused by the different dental equipment and the proximity to the equipment. The current literature does not compare the change in hearing thresholds of dental personnel.

Methods: Dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists from Hermann Dental Associates will be given a case history form to determine inclusion status for this study. Exclusion criteria will include known hearing loss and significant noise exposure the day prior. …

Outgoing Mda President Knudsen: ‘I Strongly Believe In The Mda!’, Eric Knudsen Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In his outgoing address, MDA President Knudsen expressed excitement about the association’s future and highlighted key achievements and challenges. He thanked his wife, staff, and interim executive director Bill Sullivan for their support, particularly after the sudden passing of Karen Burgess. Knudsen emphasized initiatives to improve rural dental care, restructure the finance department, and address insurance reimbursement issues. He praised the MDA’s advocacy efforts, including expanding Medicaid and legislative accomplishments. Knudsen concluded by welcoming new executive director John Tramontana and expressing confidence in MDA's continued success.

Staff Matters: How Will The New Federal Earnings Threshold Impact Our Practice?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article addresses impending changes to overtime rules under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and their implications for dental practices. The Department of Labor's recent updates on the minimum earning threshold for exempt employees necessitate adjustments in employment classifications. Starting July 1, 2024, the threshold will increase to $844 per week and subsequently rise every three years. Dental practices, including salaried employees like dental hygienists and management staff, must reassess classifications to ensure compliance. For affected employees, reclassification as non-exempt may be necessary, entailing eligibility for overtime pay. However, a hybrid approach—paying non-exempt employees a weekly salary while …

Mda Foundation: $110,000 Raised At Sparkling Smiles Event; Mini-Grant Awarded, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The 2024 MDA Foundation’s Sparkling Smiles event raised a record-breaking $110,000, surpassing last year's total by $30,000. The Holland Free Dental Clinic received a $2,500 mini-grant. Keynote speaker Todd J. Duckett's address inspired generosity. The Foundation awarded $110,000 in grants this past year, including 12 scholarships totaling $31,000. The event featured a successful Wine Lotto and was supported by numerous sponsors.

Building A Unified Dental Team, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Unity is essential for dental teams to function cohesively, especially post-COVID-19. Effective unity involves clear communication, shared goals, and trust among team members. Embracing diversity and respecting all cultures are crucial. Regular team meetings and activities, both on-site and off-site, help foster unity. Utilizing resources like DiSC® training can also enhance team cohesion.

Mda Insurance: Weave A Financial Safety Net To Protect Your Income Stream, Future, And Family, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

It's crucial to have a financial safety net, especially for small-business owners and parents, to protect against career-ending injury or illness. Key insurance policies include life insurance, disability income insurance, and business overhead expense insurance. Life insurance ensures financial support for your family, while disability insurance provides income if you cannot work. Business overhead insurance covers business expenses during your disability. Contact MDA Insurance for a consultation on these essential protections.

Effectiveness Of Oil Pulling Using Coconut Oil And Sesame Oil In Comparison With 0.2% Chlorhexidine And Placebo In Plaque Reduction- A Randomized Control Trial’, Bharath Shivakumar, Sunitha S, Chandrashekar Br, Mirunalini Sundaravadivelu

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Context: Oil pulling has multiple oral health benefits toward gingival and overall health. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of oil pulling using sesame and coconut oils. Settings and Design: JSS High School, Suttur, Nanjangud Taluk, Mysuru Randomised controlled double-blinded parallel-arm study. Methods and Material: Participants selected were divided into four groups randomly. Mouth rinse bottles containing coconut oil, sesame oil, chlorhexidine and placebo were coded and distributed. Follow up was done on the seventh day and fourteenth day. Results: The study groups showed statistically significant difference. Conclusions: Oil pulling is effective in oral plaque control.

Success Of Early Childhood Caries After Treatment With Silver Diamine Fluoride Compared To Conventional Glass Ionomer Restoration. A Systematic Review, Sara H. Younis, Afnan M. Elkordy, Nouran M. Alshazly

Future Dental Journal

Abstract

Aim: To compare the success rate regarding esthetics, parenteral satisfaction, and oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) after treatment of early childhood caries with Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)compared to conventional Glass ionomer Restoration (CGI).

Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA statement by searching on the following electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane.

Results: From the studies included in this systematic review, two studies showed significant difference in color stability between SDF and CGI. Two studies showed no significant difference in parental satisfaction with either SDF or Glass Ionomer. Regarding the Oral Health Related Quality of Life, …