Dentistry Commons^™

10-Minute Ebd: Do Posterior Composite Restorations Have Longer-Term Success Than Glass Ionomer?, Eleni E. Langas Dds, Mridula Manoj Dds, Kelsey Carreras-Simons Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Ten Minute Evidence Based Dentistry Article provides an example of the implementation of the evidence based dentistry search process with trusted search engines, and identification of the best literature through critical appraisal to answer the clinical question on long-term success of posterior resin vs. posterior glass ionomer restorations.

The Human Role In Artificial Intelligence, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The success of AI requires human involvement to ensure that it is used safely and effectively. Transparency, collaboration, and standardization are necessary.

Finding Calm Amidst Chaos, Lisa Knowles Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This commentary on mindfulness and wellness provides the practitioner with strategies to achieve peace amidst chaos.

J Mich Dent Assoc May 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

• A case study on recognizing the oral signs of Acute Lymphatic Leukemia
• A special pull-out section to assist clinicians in identifying and treating common oral lesions
• Advice on personal Wellness: "Finding Calm Amidst Chaos."
• State of Michigan C.E. Requirements for License Renewal of Dentists, Hygienists, and Registered Dental Assistants.
• A 10Minute EBD contrasting clinical success of composite restorations vs. glass ionomers.
• Guest commentary "Pretty Good Dentistry."
• News you need, Editorial, and an Advocacy Spotlight.

A Clinical Reference Guide To The Treatment Of Common Oral Lesions, Janet Zalucha Dds, Felipe Nör Dds, Ms, Phd, David Tindle Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This special MDA Journal pull-out is created as a quick reference for practitioners to assist their patients who present with some of the most common oral pathology manifestations. When encountering these conditions, please consider coordinating care and collaborating with practitioners who have had additional, specialized training in the respective fields. Treatment recommendations for each condition described are included. Note that many of these are considered off-label use of the listed agents. Full prescribing information is beyond the scope of this quick reference guide, so practitioners should thoroughly familiarize themselves with each agent chosen for use.

Oral Manifestations Of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, Angela Yepes Dds, Ms, Mba, Juan Yepes Dds, Md, Mph, Ms, Drph, James E. Jones Dmd, Msd, Edd, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Leukemia is the most prevalent malignancy of leukocytes and can occur in children and adults. Oral manifestations are part of the complexity of signs and symptoms in patients with leukemia and, in some patients, oral manifestations precede systemic manifestations. Oral signs of leukemia include spontaneous bleeding, gingival enlargement, and whiteness of the oral mucosa. Head and neck lymphadenopathy is common in patients with leukemia. Oral manifestations are the result of the direct invasion of immature cells in the oral cavity tissues or indirectly caused by the replacement of the normal blood cells for immature cells causing anemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia. …

J Mich Dent Assoc April 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

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

• A profile of two dentist legislators, Representative Steven Bradley, DDS of Iowa and Representative Jane Gillette, DDS, MPH. who represents Montana, to help readers best understand what that commitment means if they plan to seek elected office.
• An article discussing essential communication strategies to win elections.
• An update on ADA efforts to promote Oral Health Equity
• Profiles of MDA leadership candidates
• A 10Minute EBD contrasting closing diastemas with or without frenectomy with orthodontic treatment.
• Editorial, Advocacy update, News Briefs, News from the MDA Foundation, News from the ADA and …

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 …

10-Minute Ebd: Frenectomy Or No Frenectomy To Close Diastema For Children?, Polina Fubareva Dmd, Chelsea Schultz Dmd, Taylar Rowe Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this "10-Minute EBD" column, the authors explore a clinical question utilizing the evidence-based dentistry (EBD) process within orthodontic practice. The study aims to address whether frenectomy or no frenectomy is more effective in achieving successful closure of maxillary diastema in children undergoing orthodontic treatment with a high maxillary anterior labial frenum attachment. Employing a PICO question framework, the authors examined relevant literature through PubMed and Google Scholar, identifying five pertinent articles. The compiled evidence, which included systematic reviews, randomized control trials, and a retrospective cohort study published between 2013 and 2022, suggests that frenectomy, combined with orthodontic treatment, is …

The Elevator Speech, Christopher J. Smiley

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial discusses the effectiveness of crafting an "elevator speech" for concise and impactful communication in various scenarios. Leaders at a previous MDA Board of Trustees orientation were trained to construct brief, efficient presentations of two to five minutes. The process involves targeting the audience's needs, focusing on critical points, and concluding with a call to action. Examples are given for addressing questions on MDA membership benefits, emphasizing volunteer contributions, services, resources, and the value of the MDA Journal. The editorial encourages readers to adopt these strategies for efficient communication in professional and public settings.

Update: Oral Health Equity And The Ada, Jessica A. Rickert Dds, Elizabeth Carmen Lense Dds, Msha

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The American Dental Association (ADA) defines "Health Equity" as the attainment of optimal oral health for all individuals, acknowledging oral health's crucial role in overall well-being. The article underscores the need for consistent and equitable access to oral care services, collaboration with other organizations to address societal health determinants, and enhancing diversity within healthcare providers and cultural understanding in dental teams to achieve Health Equity. Highlighting the impact of untreated dental disease on quality of life and productivity, the article discusses ADA's initiatives to promote Oral Health Equity, including advocating for comprehensive Medicaid benefits, promoting diversity in leadership, and supporting …

Is It Time To Rip Up Your Contract? Navigating Dental Plan Participation, Stephanie Smith

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the importance of dental practice management and the potential benefits of breaking away from insurance company participation agreements. The author, a practice management coach, emphasizes the role of data analysis, effective communication, and patient-centered strategies in achieving practice independence. Key areas of focus include assessing practice performance, understanding insurance reimbursement rates, and enhancing accounts receivable processes. The article provides insights into strategically transitioning to non-participation with insurance plans while preserving patient relationships. It highlights the significance of transparent communication, staff training, and timing when considering such a transition.

J Mich Dent Assoc March 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 across the state. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

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

• A cover story on canceling provider agreements with dental plans.
• A clinical update on when and how to use Silver Diamine Fluoride to manage carious lesions
• News from Delta Dental on efforts to address access to care for disabled individuals through enhanced commercial dental benefits.
• The value of focused counsel from a …

Headquarters Report: Membership Outlook Hazy But Optimistic, Karen Burgess Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This MDA Executive Director Report discusses the annual membership snapshot of the ADA, MDA, and component dental societies, specifically focusing on Michigan's experience in 2022. The analysis reveals a decline in active membership and a decrease in market share. A 57% national percentage of active dentists in membership is alarming, as further erosion may impact advocacy efforts and organized dentistry’s ability to voice dentistry’s needs. The article explores the reasons behind this decline, including demographic trends and the changing landscape of dental practice. It emphasizes the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of younger dentists and non-owner practitioners while …

Staff Matters: When Should We Use A Performance Improvement Plan?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores using Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) to address employee issues. It defines what a PIP is and outlines its primary purpose: employee development and performance improvement. The article provides guidance on when to use a PIP, emphasizing its appropriateness for performance-related deficiencies that coaching hasn't resolved. It also highlights situations where a PIP may not be suitable, such as policy violations or severe misconduct. The key is to choose the right communication tool based on the specific circumstances and the potential for employee improvement.

Improving Access For Children And Adults With Disabilities Through Enhanced Commercial Benefits, Holli Seabury Edd, Jeff Johnston Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the critical issue of accessibility to oral healthcare for people with disabilities in the United States. Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana has taken a step by providing enhanced commercial benefits to children and adults with disabilities. The article delves into the challenges faced by this vulnerable population, including cost barriers and transition issues, and discusses how expanded benefits and coding, along with special dental care provisions, aim to improve access. It emphasizes the importance of proper benefits verification and presents a case study illustrating the utilization of these benefits. The article highlights the need for …

Practice Management: Cpa Vs. Dental Cpa: What’S The Difference?, John Looby Cpa

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article underscores the advantages of working with a specialized dental Certified Public Accountant (CPA) over generalist CPAs or accountants for dental practitioners. A dental CPA offers deeper insights into practice management, tax planning, and financial strategies tailored to the dental industry. Dental CPAs provide valuable guidance on production, insurance, and cost management, helping dentists make informed decisions. They also prove invaluable during critical times, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offer expertise in tax, retirement, and practice transition planning, ensuring optimal financial outcomes for dentists.

Sfd Indications And Technique: When And How To Use Sdf To Manage Caries Lesions, Margherita Fontana Dds, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The aim of this article is to review indications for 38% SDF and the appropriate technique for use. Evidence-based recommendations by the American Dental Association and umbrella reviews of systematic reviews are summarized to provide indications for SDF use in primary and permanent teeth, including sound surfaces and those with non-cavitated and cavitated caries lesions. High-quality evidence supports that SDF is an effective treatment alternative for managing active cavitated coronal and root caries lesions and preventing root caries lesions. Dentists can help by incorporating SDF as an option into their caries prevention and management armamentarium and by helping to train …

Will The Government Rip Up Employment Contracts?, Christopher J. Smiley

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial discusses the Federal Trade Commission's proposed rule to eliminate non-compete agreements, tracing their historical origins to the apprentice system in Europe. The author explores dentists' perspectives on this potential change, considering the need for talent acquisition versus workforce preservation. The editorial highlights the FTC's rationale for banning non-compete contracts and their impact on employee wages and innovation. It also addresses issues of boilerplate contract language and excessive leverage in the dental profession. The proposed rule aims to create consistency across states while allowing non-competes in specific cases. Dentist employers are advised to review and revise their agreements in …

Commentary: What Makes Membership Matter, Michael G. Maihofer Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The American Dental Association (ADA) is facing a drastic decline in membership, with market share dropping to 59%. To combat this trend, the ADA focuses on early-career dentists and a strategic forecasting initiative to align with their values. However, there is concern that the language and approach are shifting towards treating members as customers rather than dental professionals. This shift raises questions about the commitment of new dentists to professional associations. The challenge lies in listening to member concerns and delivering values like professional support, ethics, and advocacy to make membership meaningful.

Staff Matters: When Employee Behaviors Create A Toxic Work Culture, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column addresses the challenge of resolving conflicts between employees with clashing personalities and behaviors. It emphasizes the importance of raising awareness, clarifying behavior expectations, and outlining consequences for inappropriate conduct. If conflicts persist despite efforts to address them, termination may become necessary to preserve a healthy workplace environment.

The Interfaith Dental Program Of Michigan, William J. Danaher, Jr M.Div, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In the wake of the fall of Kabul in August 2021, hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees found temporary shelter at American airbases, prompting non-profit organizations and faith communities to assist in their resettlement. The Rev. Dr. William J. Danaher Jr. details the efforts of Christ Church Cranbrook and the Muslim Unity Center in Michigan to address the healthcare needs of Afghan refugees, particularly in dental care. Facing language and cultural barriers, they established an Interfaith Refugee Dental Program that successfully provided critical dental services to these refugees. The program's collaborative and humanitarian approach has improved the refugees' well-being and …

Advocacy Spotlight: The Mda Grassroots Program: Advocacy That Works!, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association's (MDA) Grassroots Legislative Advocacy Program, launched in 2011, continues to thrive, with active member participation in 2022. Over 145 MDA members and legislator contacts at 23 events showcased the program's effectiveness. Connecting members with their legislators fosters personal connections, reinforces the MDA as a dental resource, and offers a unique local perspective on key issues. With many new legislators taking office in 2023, the grassroots program will remain vital in the MDA's advocacy efforts. The facing page provides a description of the MDA 2023 legislative priorities.

Dentistry And The Law: Terminating The Dentist-Patient Relationship And Avoiding Abandonment, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month’s Dentistry and the Law column addresses the ethical termination of the dentist-patient relationship, discussing how to terminate a challenging patient-dentist relationship. Dentists have an ethical and legal obligation to end the relationship appropriately, and abrupt termination can lead to claims of "abandonment." To safeguard against such claims, dentists should provide reasonable notice, offer emergency services, facilitate referrals, and ensure the completion of ongoing treatment. While claims of patient abandonment are rare, proactive termination before critical treatment needs arise is advised.

J Mich Dent Assoc February 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 across the state. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

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

• A feature on the Interfaith Dental Refugee Program of Michigan
• Commentary on what makes membership matter and the ADA marketing shift on the value of membership.
• Complete details on the 2023 MDA Annual Session
• News you need, Editorial, and regular department articles on Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, and Advocacy.

From The Neck Up, Christopher J. Smiley

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial emphasizes integrating behavioral health into dentistry for comprehensive patient care. It highlights evidence-based approaches showing positive outcomes of behavior change techniques in oral hygiene and smoking cessation. However, implementing behavioral change models in clinical dental care faces challenges, such as reimbursement issues and concerns about disrupting the patient-dentist relationship. The editorial suggests enlisting outside resources and fostering collaboration between oral and mental health professionals to address patients' overall health needs. Policy initiatives are seen as a promising avenue for advancing this integration.

Ada Executive Director Dr. Ray Cohlmia: "We're Focused On The Future, Not The Past", Debra Peters Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this interview, Dr. Raymond Cohlmia, the Executive Director of the American Dental Association (ADA), reflects on his first year in office and discusses the challenges of overcoming the decline of membership marketshare. He addresses the importance of strategic forecasting, nimbleness, and the role of the ADA team in shaping the future of dentistry. Dr. Cohlmia also highlights the significance of science and research in dentistry and the ADA's commitment to global presence. The interview offers insights into the ADA's evolving strategies and its dedication to serving its members and the dental community.

Ce Requirements For Michigan Dental Licensure, Andrea Sunderman

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The distribution of mandated topics for the 60 hours of CE for dentists and 36 hours for RDHs and RDAs required for each three-year licensure period is presented in this graphic. The ADA, AGD, an accredited dental school, or the Michigan Board of Dentistry must approve courses. The Michigan Dental Association provides access to CE programs necessary for dentists and members of their teams to meet these requirements.

Keeping The Journal In Focus, Christopher J. Smiley

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial delves into the motivations behind young dentists and dental students joining the Association and highlights a recent study's surprising findings. Rather than tangible benefits, such as insurance and discounts, social and emotional factors were the primary drivers for membership. The study revealed that members seek a sense of belonging, opportunities for networking, and support in building confidence in their skills. The editorial underscores the importance of community and connection within organized dentistry and emphasizes the role of the MDA Journal in fulfilling these needs.

Space Maintenance In The Primary And Mixed Dentitions, Giovana Anovazzi Medeiros Dds, Msc, Phd, Chia-En Tsai Dds, James R. Boynton Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Primary teeth serve many critical functions in the growing child: they allow for proper chewing function for appropriate diet and nutrition, help in speech production and development, promote self-esteem, and importantly preserve space for eruption of the succedaneous permanent dentition. Premature loss of a primary molar can cause a loss of arch perimeter and negatively impact the normal eruption path of premolars. Space maintenance is an approach to minimize or prevent untoward consequences after unavoidable loss of a primary molar. Several types of space maintainers can be used to preserve arch length, including fixed unilateral space maintainers, such as the …