Dentistry Commons^™

What You Should Know About Michigan’S Revised Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Law, Michele Kawabe Mph, Rd, Cdces

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Starting from the 2024-25 academic year, Michigan mandates a pre-school oral health assessment for all incoming kindergarten students. Michele Kawabe, MPH, RD, CDCES, explains the legislative change, its implementation through the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) program, and its potential impact on dental offices. This feature provides insights into frequently asked questions, covering assessment protocols, forms, patient records, reimbursement, and data tracking by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Governmental Affairs Update: Dental Medicaid, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA spearheads an initiative to enhance Medicaid anesthesia services reimbursement, aiming to address the disparity between current rates and commercial standards. Despite recent improvements in Medicaid dental benefits, access to care remains hindered by low anesthesia reimbursement rates. The MDA advocates for a substantial investment to increase reimbursement to 85% of commercial rates, garnering support from various medical associations. This collaborative effort marks a significant stride towards achieving equitable Medicaid reimbursement. Grassroots advocacy is pivotal in influencing state budget decisions, urging constituents to engage with legislators via MDA text alerts.

Special Insert: Guideline For Delegation Of Duties For Allied Dental Personnel In Michigan, David Foe Ma

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dental assistants, registered dental assistants, and registered dental hygienists have specific duties they can perform for patients as outlined by the Michigan Public Health Code and the Michigan Board of Dentistry General Rules. Permitted delegated services vary based on a team member’s level of training, licensure, and available supervision by a licensed dentist.

The Journal of Michigan Dental Association provides this pullout insert to guide the dental team. This easy-to-read chart quickly identifies recent changes to the duties each dental auxiliary can legally perform.

Governmental Affairs Update, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article presents the American Dental Association's federal advocacy achievements during the first half of the 118th Congress. The ADA has made significant strides in influencing policy and regulations across various categories, including workforce issues, dental insurance reform, access to care, student loan debt, Medicaid, practice management, veterans' affairs, health information technology, and public health. Their efforts span from urging legislative action to collaborating with federal agencies and Congress members. These accomplishments showcase the ADA's commitment to advancing dental profession interests nationally.

Advocacy Spotlight: 2024 Regulatory Reminders, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Advocacy Spotlight column delves into critical regulatory reminders for dentists in 2024, emphasizing compliance challenges and potential disruptions to practice. Key areas covered include licensing, amalgam separator renewal, electronic prescribing, and Beneficial Ownership Information reporting. The article stresses the importance of staying informed about evolving regulations to ensure seamless practice operations.

Advocacy Spotlight: Telehealth Regulations For Dentistry Established, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article discusses the rise of telehealth in the last three years and its implications for dentistry, focusing on recent rulemaking by the Michigan Board of Dentistry. The regulations address key aspects such as definitions, informed consent, scope of practice, and prescribing medications. Dentists must comply with HIPAA and state/federal privacy regulations when using telehealth. Notably, the rules restrict teledentistry delegation to allied personnel after an in-person visit within 24 months. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding and following these regulations for legal telehealth use, reimbursement, and malpractice coverage. The Michigan Dental Association advocates for sensible teledentistry laws to …

J Mich Dent Assoc January 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

The January issue sets the foundation for Children’s Dental Health Month in February, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover commentary on Pediatric Dentistry
• A feature article on “Silver Diamine Fluoride as a Caries Management Option for the Young Child”.
• A feature on “Considerations Concerning Obesity-Related Education for Parents of Young Children”.
• Professional advice commentary on “Staying Focused on a Moving Target: Coping …

Staff Matters: Are There Risks To Using Ai In Our Practice?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

As your practice adopts AI for hiring processes, it brings efficiency but also potential pitfalls. The increasing use of AI, such as ChatGPT, streamlines tasks like resume screening, but caution is essential. Recent executive orders emphasize safety assessments and civil rights in AI. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission focuses on transparency and consent in recruitment AI use. Legal compliance is vital to prevent discrimination; criteria like education and experience must be applied consistently. Additionally, employee monitoring AI requires careful implementation, ensuring transparency and human oversight. While AI offers benefits, its workplace integration demands careful consideration, testing, and ongoing evaluation.

J Mich Dent Assoc November 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on The University of Michigan's Gordon H. Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, and component news.

This issue also includes two articles reprinted with permission.

• A feature from Ontario Dentist on The Challenge of False Belief: …

Advocacy Spotlight: Important: State Issues Changes To Delegation Of Duties Rules, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Board of Dentistry has introduced changes to the rules governing the delegation of duties to dental auxiliaries, including the reclassification of "dental assistants" (those not formally trained or licensed) as "unregistered dental auxiliaries" (UDAs). The classification Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) remains. Changes involve the supervision levels for specific tasks and guiding training UDAs for orthodontic duties. Notable changes include allowing UDAs to perform certain orthodontic tasks and expanding their scope of work to include duties such as taking impressions, polishing, and providing nutritional counseling. Dental professionals should know these changes and the supervision required for delegation to UDAs …

A Special Message To You From Your Mda Dental Pac Chair, Elizabeth Ralstrom Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article is a message from the chair of the Michigan Dental Association’s political action committee thanking members for their contributions and encouraging them to make a contribution with their 2024 dues statement. It includes a listing of all contributors to the PAC over the past year.

Mda Advocacy Report: 2023 To Date, And What’S Next, Jason Mashni Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article is a recap of MDA legislative advocacy accomplishments and what is on the horizon for the remainder of 2023, written by the chair of the MDA Committee on Governmental and Insurance Affairs.

J Mich Dent Assoc October 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The October 2023 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides: A message from the chair of the Michigan Dental Association political action committee with a listing of donors and a report on MDA advocacy during 2023, which are this month’s cover stories. Also included is a Q&A feature on dealing with dental benefits companies. This month’s clinical article is a discussion of the management of a failing implant using guided bone regeneration and esthetic crown lengthening. Other features include a listing of 2023 MDA life members and a President’s Message on the dental workforce crisis in Michigan. …

Navigating The Legal Landscape Of Mental Health In The Workplace: Insights For The Dental Practice, Gary Chamberlin Milr, Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dealing with an employee’s mental health situation poses complex challenges for human resource professionals. Dental practices, typically run by busy dentists or administrative managers, often lack a human resource professional and the legal expertise needed to navigate the intricacies of employment laws pertaining to mental health disabilities. Moreover, mental health issues in the workplace are sensitive, private matters that intersect with disability and leave laws and are still associated with cultural stigmas despite evolving societal attitudes. This article provides specific scenarios that give insights into the legal issues when managing dental office employees with mental health conditions. Readers should address …

Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma - A Case Report, Dr Godha Keesara Reddy Dr, Dr Anupama Chandrappa Dr, Dr Deepak K S

Radiology Teaching Files

15 year old male who presented with a 6 month history of nasal obstruction and recurrent nasal bleeding. He had had about ten episodes of epistaxis in the 3 months. Examination revealed that vital signs were essentially within normal limits.The nasal cavity revealed fresh blood in the right nasal cavity but the bleeding site could not be visualized. An impression of epistaxis secondary rhinosinusitis was made.

The Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (Hww) Syndrome– A Rare Case Report, Dr Harisha H L Dr, Dr Vishal Natarajan Dr, Dr Rudresh Hiremath Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

A 20-year-old unmarried female, student by occupation, well built and nourished presented with intermenstrual spotting from past 1 month. No h/o pelvic pain/ mass/ fever. No h/o of similar complaints in the past. Attained menarche at 14 years. Menstrual history otherwise normal.Known case of right renal agenesis (diagnosed incidentally at the age of 8 years).

Pelvic examination by gynecologist revealed a cystic bulge to the anterior wall of vagina. On MRI, our case is right sided renal agenesis; uterus didelphys with obstructed hemi vagina and to infected collection along the vaginal wall.

Running For Political Office: These Dentists Did . . . How About You? Insights From Two Dentist-Legislators, W. Erick Rupprecht Dds, Lynn Aronoff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association encourages members to seek political office. Why? Having a member dentist hold an elected office improves the profession's visibility and builds relationships with other elected officials and community leaders who can support dentistry's goals. A dentist-legislator becomes a resource with their legislative colleagues when they debate health policy, regulations, and business initiatives. Having member dentists on the inside provides receptive ears when the Association advocates for the profession's needs and priorities.

To give insight into what public service by a dentist looks like, the Journal interviewed two colleagues who have made that commitment, State Representative Steven …

Congenital Lobar Overinflation, Dr Sudha Kiran Das Dr, Vikram Patil Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

1 year old girl with history of recurrent respiratory infections associated with wheeze.

Mucocele Of The Appendix With Perforation., Sudha Kiran Das Dr., Vikram Patil Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

45 year old gentleman, presented to the Emergency Department with right iliac fossa pain & fever.

Hutch Diverticulum: A Rare Congenital Urinary Bladder Diverticulum In An Elderly Male Patient., Dr Rudresh Hiremath, Dr Shwetha Poojari

Radiology Teaching Files

54 year old male patient presented with burning micturition and increased frequency of urination for the last two months. He also gives history of intermittent episodes of high grade fever with chills and rigors.

Lady Windermere Syndrome; Rare Pulmonary Infection Secondary To Voluntary Suppression Of Cough., Dr Rudresh Hiremath Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

65-year-old lady suffering from cough for the last one month with white colored scanty sputum. Past three weeks she has developed wheeze with shortness of breath. She also complains of on and off mid fever for last two weeks with evening raise of temperature. No evidence of chest pain or hemoptysis. No past history of pulmonary tuberculosis or allergic airway disease. Non diabetic and non-hypertensive.

General physical examination was normal. On auscultation there was reduced air entry with crackles in the right mid and lower zones. Rest of the systems was normal.

Post Covid-19 Avascular Necrosis Of Hip – A Rare Case Report., Dr Rudresh Hiremath Dr, Dr Gurumurthy B Dr, Dr Abhijith Roy Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

27 year old male diagnosed with COVID 19 got admitted in our hospital, and was treated on antibiotics, antivirals and short course of steroids. He was discharged after an uneventful course and resolution of symptoms. Three months later, patient presented with acute hip pain and was screened plain radiograph of Hip.

Esophageal Web: Unusual Cause Of Dysphagia In Middle Aged Male., Dr Rudresh Hiremath Dr, Dr Anupama C Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

45 year old male patient presents with dysphagia for solid foods and oral medications since 4 months. Dysphagia is gradual in onset and slowly progressive. Subject is recently diagnosed type II diabetes mellitus on oral medication. No significant history of weight loss. General physical examination and systemic examination were normal.

Inverted Papilloma: A Case Report, Dr. Abhigna S. Moudgalya Dr, Dr Vikram Patil Dr, Dr Gurumurthy B Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

A 41 year old male came with the complaints of nasal obstruction and on and off headache since 1 year. No history of epistaxis.

Post Total Hip Arthroplasty Pseudo- Tumour – A Rare Case Report., Dr Harisha H L, Dr Vikram Patil, Dr Gurumurthy B

Radiology Teaching Files

A 62-year-old female came with complaints of slow growing mass in the left hip region for 4-5 months, associated with dull aching pain. Range of movements were restricted due to pain and mass. She underwent Total Hip arthroplasty (THA) 11 months ago.

Caffey Disease – A Rare Case Report., Dr Sudha Kiran Das, Vikram Patil Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

8 month old male infant with localized swelling of the thigh, fever and irritability.

Staff Matters: What Will Be The Impact Of Changes To Michigan’S New Paid Sick Leave Law?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Michigan's paid sick leave law has seen several changes in recent years, and the latest updates, if upheld, will go into effect in February 2023. The original ballot-initiated law requires most employers to provide paid sick leave to employees. Employers need to be proactive in understanding the potential impact of these changes, including accrual rates, usage limits, notice requirements, and supporting documentation. It's crucial to review current leave policies and prepare for compliance if the law takes effect.

Dentistry And The Law: Employee Vs. Independent Contractor, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month’s Dentistry and the Law column discusses hiring a dentist as an employee or an independent contractor. Employing a dentist as an independent contractor offers advantages such as avoiding compliance with various employment laws and not having to withhold taxes. However, there is uncertainty regarding whether tax and other authorities will recognize the independent contractor relationship. Factors like supervision and control play a significant role in this determination. To mitigate uncertainty, practices can contract with an entity owned by the dentist, providing a potential solution. Legal counsel is recommended for setting up such arrangements.

Headquarters Report: Mda Strategic Plan: In The Rear View Mirror And Around The Curve, Karen Burgess Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Association Executive Director's year-end report discusses the accomplishments and challenges of the MDA's 2021-25 Strategic Plan. Member value remains high, as indicated by a Net Promoter Score of 43 and positive feedback on benefits like TDSC.com. However, younger practitioners are less engaged due to pandemic-related challenges. Member engagement saw a successful in-person Annual Session and increased online engagement. Organizational sustainability remains strong, but efforts are focused on maintaining membership participation. Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including a collaborative website, made significant progress. Advocacy efforts resulted in Medicaid reform and defeating restrictive bills. The report concludes by emphasizing the evolving …

Why We Chose To Partner In A Corporate Practice, Michael Scialabba Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article addresses the changing landscape of dental practice ownership and the growing importance of DSOs. The article discusses the journey of Great Hill Dental Partners from its inception at the advent of the Affordable Care Act in 2009 to become a fully functional, doctor-owned DSO.

The author emphasizes the need for practitioners to consider partnering with DSOs, especially in the face of rising challenges in the dental industry, such as increased administrative demands, reduced reimbursements, and the complexity of digital marketing and compliance. They outline the factors to evaluate when considering a DSO, including culture, support for clinical care, …