Dentistry Commons^™

How Dentists Can Remain Advisors Of Merit To Their Patients, Daniel L. Orr Ii, Dds, Ms (Anesth), Phd, Jd, Md, Facd (Nevada Section Chair)

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This article examines how members of the dental profession can sustain their longstanding reputation as trusted advisors amid declining public confidence in major institutions. Grounded in ethical principles, informed consent, and professional self-regulation, dentistry has historically ranked among the most trusted professions. The discussion explores challenges to credibility, including media scrutiny, concerns about anesthesia safety, controversial treatment hesitancy, and debates over community water fluoridation. Emphasizing the concept of the “advisor of merit,” the author argues that continued trust depends on truthful communication, transparency about risks, respect for patient autonomy, and freedom from conflicts of interest in clinical and public health …

J Am Coll Dent 2026 92 4

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD) publishes scholarly articles, editorials, essays, and reflections addressing the ethical, professional, and social dimensions of dentistry. The Journal serves as a forum for advancing ethics, professionalism, leadership, and excellence within the dental community. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, JACD provides readers with insights that encourage ethical, professional practice, lifelong learning, and service to the public, reinforcing dentistry’s commitment to advancing oral healthcare and the common good.

The New Professional: The Legacy Of Women In Dentistry, And Your Place In It, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Women now constitute over half of dental graduates, transforming the profession’s culture and leadership. While women hold a majority of seats on the MDA Board of Trustees, wage disparities, underrepresentation in certain specialties, and work-life balance pressures remain challenges. The author emphasizes that the legacy of women in dentistry is an active, evolving force. New professionals have the opportunity and responsibility to advance this legacy by engaging in mentorship, advocating for fair workplace policies, pursuing ownership, and serving as role models. This ensures the profession is defined by opportunities rather than barriers.

J Am Coll Dent 2025 92 1

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD) publishes scholarly articles, editorials, essays, and reflections addressing the ethical, professional, and social dimensions of dentistry. The Journal serves as a forum for advancing ethics, professionalism, leadership, and excellence within the dental community. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, JACD provides readers with insights that encourage ethical, professional practice, lifelong learning, and service to the public, reinforcing dentistry’s commitment to advancing oral healthcare and the common good.

News You Need: How Many Of These Ada/Mda Practice Resources Are You Using?

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This October, MDA offers updates and resources including support for human resources, ongoing education, and professional tools. Michigan was selected for the Medicaid Oral Health Workforce Implementation Learning Series to enhance access to care. The MDA launched HERM-E, an AI-powered digital assistant providing 24/7 access to resources and quick answers. Supporting chairside advocacy for community water fluoridation, the News reports that a national survey indicates 81% of Americans support or are neutral about water fluoridation. Applications are now open for the 2026 MDA LEAD Program, and nominations are being accepted for MDA awards and leadership positions. The News column further …

J Mich Dent Assoc October 2025

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 ADACommons. The October 2025 (Volume 107, No. 10) issue of the Journal is published in a digital-only format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions will resume in November. The October issue highlights the critical importance of advocacy through the MDA Dental Political Action Committee (PAC) and provides practical, management-focused information …

J Mich Dent Assoc September 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 September issue marks the return to a hybrid publishing schedule, with print issues published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September, and November, and online-only digital issues in February, April, June, August, October, and December. This return to print follows a suspension in May due to association-wide financial issues, with the MDA Board of Trustees approving changes in the 2025 budget to …

Dean’S Report: Detroit Mercy Dental - Dental Schools — Safeguarding The Future Of Oral Health, Mert N. Aksu Dds, Jd, Mhsa, Cert. Dph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This report from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry highlights its mission to prepare students as clinicians, leaders, and advocates for public health and equitable access to care, emphasizing evidence-based practices and community service. It addresses critical public health measures like community water fluoridation and HPV vaccination, advocating for policies that protect oral health. The report notes concerns over proposed Michigan Medicaid dental program changes that could burden dental schools with increased uncompensated and emergency care. Initiatives to meet workforce needs include the new Detroit Mercy Dental Vermont Track and community-based education programs, which provided care to over …

Mda Services: Endorsed Programs News

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Throughh MDA Services, the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) has announced several endorsed programs aimed at supporting dental practices across Michigan: Compass Dental Gas Service is now endorsed by the MDA for its expertise in installing, maintaining, and repairing dental gas systems. Members benefit from exclusive discounts and safety compliance support. MEDVA Virtual Staffing offers HIPAA-compliant, human virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks remotely. This service helps reduce labor costs and allows in-office staff to focus on patient care. MDA Health Plan sponsors are reminded to submit overdue eligibility verification documents, which are essential for compliance and 2026 renewal preparations. DBS …

News You Need July 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

News You Need for July 2025 includes a listing of MDA members who have completed service on committees; a link to recent MDA Board actions; news about two dental journalism awards won by the MDA Journal; how younger patients are negatively influenced by social media; a letter to the editor regarding dental insurance; information about MDA Foundation scholarships; members receiving awards; a calendar of events; a patient fact sheet; and more.

The New Professional: Reimagining Rapport: Innovative Ways Dental Teams Connect With Patients, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores innovative communication strategies for dental practices to enhance patient interaction. It highlights the importance of digital onboarding for streamlined intake, two-way text messaging for efficient appointments, and personalized video messages to foster connection. Practices are adopting multilingual communication and AI tools like chatbots for 24/7 inquiry handling, integrating them with patient records for tailored responses. Interactive platforms with 3D visuals and video tutorials are used for patient education, empowering them in oral health decisions. The article also emphasizes leveraging social media for engagement, capturing real-time patient feedback, and maintaining empathy-driven human interaction despite technological advancements

It’S Time To Dare Greatly At The Ada, Michele Tulak-Gorecki Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Michele Tulak-Gorecki, a candidate for ADA president-elect, outlines her platform, emphasizing the urgency for bold, collaborative leadership within the ADA. She addresses member concerns following the executive director's resignation, focusing on rebuilding trust and enhancing oversight. Her vision confronts declining membership, financial issues, and the flawed association management system (AMS) rollout, advocating for increased transparency and financial literacy. Tulak-Gorecki stresses the ADA's vital role in advocacy and unity across the tripartite model to protect the profession's standing. She calls for collective action to create a transparent, inclusive, innovative, and unified ADA

Moving Drives You Crazy, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Editor-in-Chief shares her frustrating experience moving a dental office. Key challenges included dental insurances dropping the practice from networks during recredentialing, causing denied claims for 30-60 days despite no changes to tax ID or NPI. State regulations also required new payments for radiation tubes, rather than crediting previous payments, despite a reduction in equipment. Furthermore, dental supply companies and movers did not take responsibility for broken equipment during the move. Despite these "insane and archaic" hurdles, most patients transitioned, and the article concludes with a comprehensive resource list for practice address changes

J Mich Dent Assoc July 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 5,800 members. It stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists. The all-digital July issue features Dr. Michele Tulak-Gorecki’s "It’s Time to Dare Greatly at the ADA," where she outlines her vision for ADA president-elect, focusing on financial integrity, strengthened advocacy, and fostering unity amidst challenges like declining membership and issues with the association management system.

Supporting articles highlight the MDA’s endorsement of MEDVA, offering cost-effective, HIPAA-compliant virtual assistant solutions for dental practices to …

The Back Page: Commentary: Going Non-Par: My Perspective, And 10 Lessons I’Ve Learned, Robert Antolak Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Robert Antolak shares his experience and ten lessons from transitioning his dental practice to a non-participating (non-par) status with insurance in January 2025, driven by declining reimbursements and the need to prioritize patient care. He highlights the unfairness of lower PPO reimbursements for newer dentists. Key lessons include securing a trusted coach, early patient communication, building a financial safety net, ensuring full team buy-in, committing with faith, tightening billing systems, frequent patient reminders, advocating for patients, creating an in-office payment plan (not percentage discounts), and clearly articulating the "why". Though revenue initially dropped, he anticipates full recovery, aiming to …

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: …

Meet The Mda’S New President, Cheri Newman, Dds, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This cover story introduces the new president of the MDA, Dr. Cheri Newman, highlighting her unique journey from dental hygienist to dentist. Dr. Newman discusses her motivations for becoming involved with the MDA, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the profession and the influence of mentors. She outlines her goals for the upcoming year, which include increasing membership, addressing workforce shortages, and tackling student debt. Dr. Newman also stresses the significance of member involvement in organized dentistry and acknowledges the challenges related to workforce issues like the need for more dental hygienists and assistants. She underscores the value of …

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. …

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.

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 …

Going Non-Par: What Are Your Options?; With Sidebar: One Dentist’S Experience With Going Non-Par, Alan Laing Dds, Mba, Greg Maxson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article discusses the considerations for dental practices contemplating dropping insurance participation (going non-par). It emphasizes the importance of analyzing practice objectives, patient demographics, competition, and financial policies before making this decision. The transition to non-par status can impact patient relationships and requires a strong financial and collection policy. Ultimately, the decision should be based on a thorough understanding of the practice and its goals.

The sidebar presents supplementary content and includes a call for MDA members to share their experiences with non-participation in insurance plans and features Dr. Greg Maxson's personal account of going non-par. Dr. Maxson emphasizes that …

Dentistry And The Law: Yes, Dentists (And The Mda) Are Subject To Antitrust Law, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This legal article explains how antitrust laws apply to dentists and dental associations. It clarifies that violations occur when competitors agree to activities that unreasonably restrain competition. The article distinguishes between "per se" illegal activities (price-fixing, group boycotts, allocation of territories) and those evaluated under the "rule of reason." Specific examples of prohibited activities include agreements on fees, discount limitations, or refusals to participate with dental plans. Enforcement can come from the DOJ, FTC, state agencies, or private lawsuits, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, and treble damages.

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.

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.

Mda At Your Service: I'M Graduating This Spring - Now What?, Kristin Johnson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article provides practical guidance for new dental school graduates on essential next steps, including licensing, insurance selection, employment contracts, and navigating patient disputes. It highlights key Michigan Dental Association (MDA) resources such as contract review, job placement support, and the Peer Review System for resolving patient conflicts. It also promotes Best Card for reducing credit card processing fees, emphasizing benefits for MDA members.

The New Professional: Owner Dentist Or Associate? How To Make The Decision, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article compares the career paths of owner dentists and associate dentists, examining autonomy, income potential, work-life balance, and tax advantages. It offers insights into the benefits and challenges of each role, empowering dentists to make informed decisions based on their long-term goals, financial aspirations, and comfort with business management.

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 …

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 …

J Mich Dent Assoc February 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 is the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists. The February issue sets the tone for the MDA’s Annual Meeting, Revving Up Dentistry, this April in Detroit.

A detailed Annual Session Preview is included within the Journal with course listings and activities planned for the four-day event. Regular Departments: News You Need, New Dentist Column, MDA Insurance, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, MDA at your Service, Governmental Affairs, and a Michigan Dental …

Staff Matters: Why Are Our Employees Leaving? And How Do We Keep Them?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article addresses the challenges of staff attrition in dental practices, emphasizing its costly impact and the need to understand its causes. Common reasons for attrition include low compensation, high workloads, poor management practices, and lack of career development opportunities. Solutions involve gathering feedback through exit interviews, improving salaries and benefits, balancing workloads, enhancing management styles, and offering career growth. Proactive measures can help retain staff and create a stable, supportive work environment.