Dentistry Commons^™

Advocacy Spotlight: Understanding The Mda's Role With Dental Insurance Reimbursement Rates, Daniel Miller D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) is dedicated to advocating for members and advancing the dental profession. While federal laws prohibit the MDA from negotiating reimbursement rates with dental insurers, it provides significant support through education, advocacy, and resources.

Key initiatives include enhancing transparency in network leasing, endorsing PPO Negotiation Solutions to help practices optimize contracts, and offering educational programs on billing and coding. The MDA also facilitates peer networking and equips dentists with tools to navigate insurance challenges effectively.

Looking ahead, the MDA remains committed to empowering members through advocacy, guiding future dentists on contract literacy, and fostering a resilient …

Water Fluoridation: The Evidence Behind The Risk Of Fluoride Use, Margherita Fontana D.D.S., Ph.D., Carlos González-Cabezas D.D.S., M.S.D., Ph.D., Livia Tenuta D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The debate surrounding fluoride use for caries control has intensified due to recent events, including a National Toxicology Program (NTP) report and a court ruling mandating EPA action on fluoride levels in tap water.

Despite concerns about fluoride's potential neurodevelopmental impact at high concentrations, current evidence shows no adverse effects at the recommended levels of 0.7 ppm in U.S. community water fluoridation programs. While studies in regions with endemic fluorosis suggest an association between high fluoride exposure and lower IQ, methodological limitations undermine causal conclusions.

Global and U.S. health authorities, including the WHO and ADA, reaffirm the safety and efficacy …

Dentistry And The Law: Overlooked Purchase Agreement Terms, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Selling a dental practice involves numerous legal, financial, and operational considerations. Assembling a team—including a lawyer, accountant, broker, and insurance professional—is crucial for ensuring a smooth transaction. While letters of intent are optional, they help define terms like exclusivity, due diligence, and confidentiality.

Purchase agreements, often drafted by the buyer’s lawyer, should detail asset allocation, tax implications, and handling of accounts receivable. Neglected areas such as work-in-process procedures and rework responsibilities must also be addressed to avoid disputes. Properly planning and negotiating these terms protects both buyer and seller, minimizing post-sale complications and ensuring a seamless transition of ownership.

What You Must Know: Retention And Destruction Of Dental Records And Your Most-Asked Questions About Dental Records, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

An overview of the basic information about dental records, including retention and destruction, that you and your staff should be aware of, provided by MDA Legal Counsel Dan Schulte, J.D. Plus, for your reference, answers to the questions Michigan dental offices are asking about dental record retention, access, release, and destruction.

Dental records are vital for patient care, legal compliance, and professional practice management. Michigan law mandates retaining dental records for a minimum of 10 years, ensuring their confidentiality, accessibility, and integrity. Destruction of records less than 10 years old requires patient notification and authorization, while those over 10 years …

The New Professional: A Guide To Finding A Mentor As A New Dentist, Amrita Patel D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Patel provides guidance for new dentists on finding and maintaining effective mentoring relationships. She emphasizes that mentors can offer valuable guidance during the transition from dental school to clinical practice. The article explains that mentors need not be exclusively dentists and can be found through various channels, including professional associations, dental societies, alumni networks, and social media platforms. It outlines strategies for identifying potential mentors by observing their clinical skills, professionalism, and leadership styles. The piece concludes with practical advice for maintaining productive mentoring relationships, including setting clear expectations, preparing for meetings, and maintaining consistent communication. The article emphasizes …

J Mich Dent Assoc December 2024

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 December issue includes a timely cover feature on evidence supporting community water fluoridation, a clinical feature answering questions on patient dental records, a guest editorial on leadership by former MDA Journal Editor Dr. Bill Chase, and a Back Page article on how a personal touch makes a difference. We also provide our annual 2024 Author/Title Index and regular departments: The New Professional, …

The Back Page: The Personal Touch Makes The Difference, Riley Schaff D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Riley Schaff discusses the importance of personal connection in engaging new dentists with organized dentistry. Drawing from his own experience of being personally invited to chair a New Dentist Study Club, he emphasizes that direct, personal outreach is more effective than digital communication in encouraging participation among early-career dentists.

The article highlights ongoing efforts at the state level to increase engagement, including enhanced presence at local events and networking programs. However, Schaff argues that grassroots efforts at the local component level are crucial for significant change in membership rates. He concludes that personal engagement from existing members is essential …

Are Leaders Born, Or Made?, William R. Chase D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The debate over whether leaders are born or made persists, but effective leadership often results from a combination of innate traits and learned skills. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate others, while transactional leaders focus on tasks without fostering personal connections. Servant leadership, particularly valued in the dental profession, emphasizes service to others, aligning naturally with patient care. Leadership styles, such as coercive, authoritative, and affiliative, demonstrate the complexity of leadership dynamics. Renowned authors like John C. Maxwell and Daniel Goleman emphasize adaptability and the importance of being a leader whom people want to follow. Effective leadership transcends settings, offering focus, …

The Head And Neck Exam Revisited: Insights From Vcu's Oral Facial Pain And Oral Medicine Club, Kelsey Guraya

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is about the importance of a comprehensive head and neck examination in dental practice and the insights gained from a workshop conducted by VCU's Oral Facial Pain and Oral Medicine Club.

Reflections From The Clinic: Growth, Challenges, And Lessons Learned In Dental Education, Anneliese Goetz

Virginia Dental Journal

This article describes the reflections on growth, challenges, and lessons learned in dental education during clinic experiences.

Mom Celebrates 25 Years Of Service, Barbara Rollins

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is about the 25-year history and evolution of the Missions of Mercy (MOM) project, which provides free dental care to underserved communities in Virginia.

Healthy Smiles For All: Oral Health Initiatives For Virginia's Special Health Care Needs Patients, Brad Guyton

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is about oral health initiatives and benefits for individuals with special health care needs in Virginia.

Volunteering In Virginia's Free And Charitable Clinics, Rufus Phillips

Virginia Dental Journal

This article discusses the importance of volunteering in Virginia's free and charitable clinics, the decline in volunteer numbers, the increasing demand for clinic services, and a centralized system for connecting volunteers with clinic needs.

Have You Had Enough? The Show It!, Bruce Hutchison Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is about advocating for dentists in Virginia to support the VDA PAC in order to fight against insurance industry interference and improve dental care for patients.

Through The Looking Glass: The Fantastical World Of Oral Pathology, Sarah Glass

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is about exploring the fantastical world of oral pathology through cases presented by Dr. Sarah Glass and a third-year dental student.

Prosites Is Now The Official Website Host Of Vda Member Perks, Karen Wood

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is about ProSites becoming the official website host of VDA Member Perks and the benefits of using their services for dental practices.

Artificial Intelligence And Dentistry, Adel Rizkalla Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article discusses the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the field of dentistry and raises ethical considerations surrounding its use in patient care.

Google Analytics 4 - What You Need To Know, Paulyn Ocampo

Virginia Dental Journal

The article provides an overview of Google Analytics 4 and the key differences between Universal Analytics and GA4, as well as steps to get started with GA4 on a website.

Transforming Dental Operations: The Role Of Ai In Streamlining Back-Office Functions, Robert Mcdermott

Virginia Dental Journal

The article discusses the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in streamlining back-office functions in dental operations.

Introducing - Vda Dental Medicaid Benefits Liaison, Paul Logan

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is about introducing VDA Dental Medicaid Benefits Liaison services for assisting members with Medicaid claims.

Safehaven: Support For The Dental Team To Reclaim Work-Life Balance And Joy, Bruce Overton Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is about the SafeHaven program, which provides support for dental professionals to reclaim work-life balance and joy, as well as the recent legislation expanding access to the program.

Vda Member Perks Endorses Dental Hq Dental Membership Plan Software, Karen Wood

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is about a new partnership between VDA Member Perks and DentalHQ, offering exclusive benefits and discounts on dental membership plan software for VDA members.

Facing A Malpractice Claim? What To Do And What Not To Do, Andrew Gerner, Thomas L. O'Carroll

Virginia Dental Journal

The article provides guidance on what to do and what not to do when facing a malpractice claim as a practicing dentist.

Board Complaints: What You Need To Know, Jamie Sacksteder

Virginia Dental Journal

The article provides information on how complaints are received and processed by the Virginia Board of Dentistry, including details on investigations, informal conferences, evidence submission, legal standards, and formal hearings.

Virginia Board Of Dentistry Meeting Notes - June 21, 2024, Ursula Klostermyer Dds, Phd

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is about the meeting notes from the Virginia Board of Dentistry held on June 21, 2024, discussing various topics such as regulatory actions, conference updates, disciplinary reports, and membership with the American Association of Dental Boards.

Tooth Sleuths: The Role Of The General Dentist In Forensic Human Identification, Elif D. Aksoylu Dmd, Mph

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is about the role of general dentists in forensic human identification through dental records and radiographs.

Vda Membership: Another Wisechoice, Ryan Dunn

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Association announcing an exclusive offering for its members through the WiseChoice Healthcare Alliance, providing access to competitive group health insurance plans for small businesses.

The Ada Is Working Hard To Address Member Pain Points, Gary Oyster Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is about the efforts and initiatives of the ADA to address member pain points and provide support and resources for dentists.

Are You Listening?, Sarah Friend Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article discusses the challenges and changing career preferences of Generation Z individuals, particularly in the healthcare and dentistry fields.

Stay Active And Get Involved, Dustin Reynolds Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article is a message from the President of the Virginia Dental Association encouraging members to stay active, get involved in organized dentistry, and prioritize self-care and relationships.