Dentistry Commons^™

Exploring Ada Commons, The Ada’S New Home For Tripartite Publications, Alisun Dekock

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

ADA Commons is a searchable, open-access database designed to centralize and expand access to dental publications across the ADA tripartite, including state and local dental societies. This resource allows users to explore current and archived issues of various dental journals, including the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association (JMDA), facilitating research, professional development, and historical reference.

Build Your Practice With Dental Revenue Cycle Management, Robert Mcdermott

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the essential role of Dental Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) in ensuring the financial success and sustainability of a dental practice. Many dentists, especially those new to solo practice, struggle with managing the business side of dentistry, particularly the complexities of RCM. The article outlines the key steps of RCM, including patient scheduling, insurance verification, claims submission, and payment processing, emphasizing how a well-managed system ensures steady cash flow and enhances patient experience. Key challenges in RCM include lack of formal business training, evolving insurance regulations, and the risk of delayed reimbursements, which can threaten a practice’s viability. …

Dentistry And The Law: How To Handle Visits Or Contacts By An Ice Agent, Daniel Schulte J.D.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article addresses how dental practices should handle visits from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following the January 2025 revocation of the "sensitive locations" policy. While ICE agents can enter public areas without warrants, they require judicial warrants, administrative warrants, or subpoenas to access private areas. Practices should verify agents' identities, follow established law enforcement policies, and protect patient information under HIPAA guidelines. The article recommends developing comprehensive policies and training staff to handle law enforcement visits appropriately.

Dentistry And The Law: What You Should Know About Collecting Past-Due Accounts, Daniel Schulte J.D.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Michigan law regulates debt collection practices for dental offices collecting past-due accounts. While practices can collect their own debts, they must follow specific restrictions regarding workplace communications. The law prohibits harassment, deceptive practices, and sharing debt information with employers or coworkers. Contact at workplaces must be discreet, civil, and cease if the patient expresses inconvenience. Communications are restricted between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. without permission.

Mda Foundation: Meet James Bennett Iii, First Karen Burgess Scholarship Recipient, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

James Bennett III, a University of Michigan dental student, has been awarded the inaugural $10,000 Karen Burgess Memorial Scholarship by the MDA Foundation. Bennett, from St. Joseph, demonstrates strong leadership through his involvement with the Student National Dental Association and various dental school organizations. Inspired by his parents' community service, he plans to pursue orthodontics and establish mentorship programs focusing on leadership, cultural sensitivity, and financial literacy for new dental graduates.

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 …

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Camaraderie For All, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The 2025 Michigan Dental Association Annual Session returns to Detroit from April 23-26, 2025, at the Renaissance Center. This premier event offers continuing education (CE) courses, social gatherings, and keynote speakers. Attendees can earn up to 18 CE credits across specialized tracks, including leadership, new dentists, and dental business professionals. Featured events include the MDA Foundation Sparkling Smiles Celebration, a Women’s Leadership Event, and keynotes by Hoan Do and Sean Astin. With networking, entertainment, and professional growth opportunities, this event is a must for the dental community.

Dentistry And The Law: The Difference Between ‘Non-Covered’ Vs. ‘Disallowed’ Services, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article clarifies the distinction between "non-covered" and "disallowed" services in dental plan audits. Non-covered services are not included in the patient’s dental plan, often due to plan limitations, while disallowed services are covered but deemed non-payable due to issues like claim deficiencies or lack of documentation. Dentists must review their contracts to understand obligations regarding non-covered services and ensure compliance with HIPAA for patient-paid services. For disallowed services, contesting decisions may be possible depending on the agreement with the dental plan.

The New Professional: Intentional Goal-Setting For 2025, Amrita Patel D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article emphasizes the importance of intentional goal setting, networking, and leadership for new dentists to achieve long-term success. It advocates for setting clear, measurable goals, breaking them into manageable milestones, and focusing on building strong professional relationships. Networking with mentors and peers, engaging in social media, and participating in dental organizations are highlighted as ways to foster growth and opportunities. Leadership roles, even in small capacities like volunteering or joining committees, are seen as critical steps toward personal development and career advancement. These strategies collectively help new dentists establish a solid foundation for achieving their professional aspirations.

Approaches To Care For Children With Special Needs In Dental Settings: Desensitization And Teledentistry, Hannah Bergeron D.M.D., M.S., Chia-En Tsai D.D.S., Giovana Anovazzi D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D., James R. Boynton D.D.S., M.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Children with special health care needs (SHCN) are at a heightened risk of developing chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or cognitive conditions that significantly affect their oral and general health. These children often encounter significant barriers to receiving adequate dental care, which contributes to neglected oral health needs. Common challenges include increased risk of dental diseases due to medication use, oral hygiene difficulties, and dietary restrictions. Newer strategies aimed at overcoming these barriers include the use of dental social stories, desensitization techniques, and teledentistry.

Social stories offer a structured way for parents to help prepare children for their dental visits. Desensitization …

J Mich Dent Assoc January 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 January issue sets the tone for February, the observance of Children’s Dental Health Month.

Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry President Jessica Bentoski welcomes readers to this special issue, which features a cover feature on “Approaches to Care for Children with Special Needs in Dental Settings: Desensitization and Teledentistry” and a supporting article on “General Dentists’ Education, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior Concerning the Effects …

Mda Foundation: Great Things Are Ahead For The Mda Foundation In 2025, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation expresses heartfelt gratitude to donors and volunteers who contributed to improving oral health care access and education in 2024. Efforts included funding free and reduced-cost clinics, awarding scholarships, and hosting the Mission of Mercy (MOM) free clinic in Flint. For 2025, plans include the Sparkling Smiles fundraising event during the MDA Annual Session in Detroit and laying the groundwork for next year’s MOM in Kalamazoo. The Foundation encourages applications for grants (deadline: May 1) and scholarships (applications open Aug. 1), continuing its commitment to supporting Michigan communities and dental students.

Find Your Brave Spot!, Jessica R. Bentoski D.D.S., M.S., F.A.A.P.D.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This introduction emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear, both in pediatric patients and within personal and professional growth. The author reflects on the rewarding experience of helping children manage dental anxiety and encourages peers to find their "brave spot" to embrace challenges and opportunities in dentistry. Highlighted articles in the issue focus on practical approaches for treating children with special needs and the importance of prenatal care for establishing a foundation for oral health. The message celebrates mentorship, leadership, and the joy of serving young patients.

General Dentists’ Education, Knowledge, Attitudes And Behavior Concerning The Effects Of Pregnant Patients’ Oral Health On Pregnancy Outcomes: A National Survey, Abad Mohammed O. Khuraybah B.D.S., M.S., James R. Boynton D.D.S., M.S., Robert F. Majewski D.D.S., M.S., Marita R. Inglehart Dr. Phil. Habil.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Objectives: Since 1996, substantial evidence showed that pregnant patients’ oral health and pregnancy outcomes are related. The objectives were to assess general dentists’ education, knowledge, and behavior related to treating pregnant patients and how COVID-19 changed behavior related to these patients’ treatment.

Methods: 2,500 surveys were mailed to general dentists who were members of the American Dental Association; 96 letters were undeliverable and 253 surveys were completed (Response rate: 10.52%).

Results: 50.2% agreed/strongly agreed that they were well-educated in dental school about treating pregnant patients. Only 34% were satisfied with this education. The majority knew that periodontal disease was associated …

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.

Mda Services: Let Your Mda Membership Put Money Back In Your Pocket, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

MDA membership offers significant financial savings through partnerships with endorsed vendors, providing products and services to enhance dental practice success. Members can save over $30,000 annually by utilizing resources like PPO Negotiation Solutions, Best Card for credit processing, ProSites for digital marketing, Eagle Associates for compliance, and iCoreConnect for cloud-based software. Additional discounts are available on dental supplies, accounting, and in-house dental plan administration, among other services. These benefits demonstrate the value of MDA membership in streamlining operations and improving profitability.

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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, …

J Mich Dent Assoc November 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Associationprovides 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 November issue includes:

• Clinical Feature on discontinuation of lead apron use for dental radiology
• An introduction to the MDA Team and how they can be contacted to serve specific member needs
• A Back Page article on beginning practice and family
• Regular Departments: New Dentist Column, Updates on the MDA Foundation, MDA Services, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters

This month we welcome …

Dentistry And The Law: Data Bank Reporting: A Consequence Of An Administrative Complaint, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this month's Dentistry and the Law column, MDA's Legal Counsel Dan Schulte explains that a Michigan dentist who settled a licensing complaint and agreed to probation, continuing education, and a fine, is surprised to learn the action was reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). The dentist assumed the settlement would be confidential. The column clarifies that the NPDB report is mandatory under federal law for formal proceedings, which includes compliance conferences, regardless of whether an administrative hearing occurs. The author advises that legal representation could have clarified this and outlines limited options to avoid NPDB reporting.

The Back Page: Connection And Support: It’S A Family Thing, Kristen Kemmer Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In March 2023, the author welcomed her second daughter while managing the challenges of being a solo dental practice owner. With a supportive team, family, and a strong network of local dental colleagues, she successfully navigated maternity leave. Her dental team handled patient care seamlessly, and she leaned on friends and fellow practitioners for advice and emergency coverage. Online support and planning helped her manage financially, while collaboration within local dental groups ensured patient needs were met. The experience reinforced the importance of connection, support, and community in balancing motherhood and practice ownership.

Your Mda Team: Working For You, John Tramontana Ms, Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month's cover feature introduces the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) team based in Okemos, highlighting their dedication to providing exceptional service and value to MDA members.

The team, many of whom have decades of experience, is always available to answer questions and offer support. With a focus on delivering top-notch service, the MDA staff strives to be the best dental association in the country. The article includes an overview of the team members, their roles, and a helpful "Who to Call" guide for members seeking assistance.

The executive director emphasizes the team's expertise and institutional knowledge, inviting members to reach …

Reach Out When Help Is Needed, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs of emotional distress, particularly in the dental field, where long work hours and patient stress can take a toll. It highlights the need for suicide prevention and awareness training, advocating for open communication and mental health support within work families.

The author shares a personal story of losing a colleague and stresses the value of the American Dental Association's Postvention Toolkit. The Michigan Dental Association’s Member Assistance Program is also recommended as a resource for mental health and emotional support.

The New Professional: Starting A Practice Vs. Buying: What’S Right For You?, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month's New Professional column explores the key decision of whether to start a new dental practice or purchase an existing one. Starting a practice offers flexibility in creating a brand and using the latest technology but requires building a patient base from scratch and managing upfront costs. Purchasing an existing practice provides immediate cash flow and an established patient base but requires more upfront investment and adapting to existing systems. Dentists should consider financial readiness, long-term goals, and work-life balance when making this decision.