Dentistry Commons^™

2025 General Assembly Session Review, Tripp Perrin, Missy Wesolowski, Jennifer Walle Boyd

Virginia Dental Journal

The 2025 Virginia General Assembly introduced over 3,000 bills and passed nearly 1,900, including several impacting dentistry, healthcare access, and insurance practices. Key dental-related legislation addressed licensure for foreign graduates, expanded care for pregnant women, and provider fee transparency, with most awaiting gubernatorial action. Defensive efforts successfully blocked a malpractice cap increase for oral surgeons. Additional bills focused on telemedicine, prior authorization reforms, and medical debt protections.

Introducing The Fulcrum Podcast, Ryan Dunn, Paul Logan, Shannon Jacobs

Virginia Dental Journal

The feature introduces The Fulcrum Podcast, which discusses important topics affecting dental providers and patients, featuring insights from various contributors on workforce challenges, legislative issues, and best practices in dentistry and more.

Retired Dentists – An Untapped Pool Of Volunteers, Mayer G. Levy Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article advocates for retired dentists to volunteer by simplifying the process of obtaining a volunteer license, highlighting the untapped potential of this group to serve underserved populations.

Ada’S Evolution Continues, James Mercer Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article provides updates on the American Dental Association's recent developments, including a building sale, new leadership, and initiatives to enhance member engagement and address operational challenges.

Driving Dentistry, Sarah Friend Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article offers advice to new dental graduates by drawing parallels between practicing dentistry and driving, emphasizing the importance of experience, caution, and community support.

We Are Working. Are You?, Justin Norbo Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article discusses the Virginia Dental Association's (VDA) efforts to address the dental workforce crisis, including initiatives to expand dental hygiene education, legislative advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders. It emphasizes the need for member engagement to develop solutions and highlights short- and long-term strategies to improve workforce capacity and patient care access.

Va Dent J April, May And June 2025

Virginia Dental Journal

The Spring 2025 issue of the Virginia Dental Journal (Volume 102, Number 2) highlights the Virginia Dental Association’s (VDA) continued focus on solving the dental workforce shortage through legislative advocacy, expanded educational pathways, and member engagement. President Dr. Justin Norbo outlines efforts such as partnering with colleges, supporting new training models, and pursuing licensure reforms. A key development is the debut of The Fulcrum Podcast, which offers in-depth conversations on topics like workforce issues, insurance transparency, and audit preparation.

The issue provides a detailed review of the 2025 General Assembly session, with updates on bills impacting dental practice, including …

A More Than Virtual Glimpse Into Academia, Jared Bergman

Virginia Dental Journal

Jared Bergman, a VCU dental student, rekindled his passion for teaching through the ADEA ADCFP fellowship, integrating virtual reality into dental education and pursuing a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

The Biggest Yet, Rob Marino

Virginia Dental Journal

The Third Annual Piedmont Smiles MOM event, held on November 2, 2024, at Liberty High School in Bealeton, provided essential dental care to 267 residents from rural communities. Supported by various foundations and local businesses, the event featured volunteer dentists and students from VCU and Howard University. The record turnout highlighted the growing need for affordable dental care in the region.

Dental Detective Series - Word Search, Zaneta Hamlin Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Virginia Board Of Dentistry Meeting Notes December 13, 2024, Ursula Klostermyer Dds, Phd

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Board of Dentistry (BOD) meeting on December 13, 2024, covered various topics, including the approval of previous meeting minutes, updates on regulatory matters, and discussions on the dental workforce shortage, particularly concerning dental hygienists. The BOD considered proposals to allow foreign-trained dentists to perform dental hygiene duties and to increase dental hygiene program class sizes to address the shortage. The meeting also included reports on recent conferences, the adoption and repeal of several guidance documents, and a review of disciplinary actions. The BOD plans to respond to a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding dental hygienist …

Revisiting Your Communications Strategies In 2025, Michaela Mishoe

Virginia Dental Journal

Refresh your dental practice's communication strategies in 2025 by updating your website, leveraging email marketing, using AI tools for content creation, and planning ahead with a social media editorial calendar.

From The Headlines, Adel Rizkalla Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Experts warn that some dentists are unnecessarily extracting healthy teeth for profit through implants, raising ethical concerns about patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, and veracity in dental care.

Through The Looking Glass, Sarah Glass

Virginia Dental Journal

Through the Looking Glass with Dr. Sarah Glass" explores various oral pathology cases presented by Collin Johnson, a third-year dental student.

2025 Dental Days At The Capitol, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) held its 2025 Dental Days at the Capitol event in Richmond, where dentists, dental students, and other dental professionals gathered to advocate for the profession. Governor Glenn Youngkin and Senator Todd Pillion, DDS, addressed the attendees, highlighting recent initiatives to expand dental coverage, access, workforce, and education. The event focused on addressing the dental workforce shortage and included meetings with legislators to discuss key issues. Participants were encouraged to contact their legislators, sign up for legislative alerts, and contribute to the VDA Political Action Committee.

Vda Pac Update, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

The VDA PAC Update calls for Virginia Dental Association (VDA) members to contribute to the VDA Political Action Committee (PAC) to ensure dentistry's interests are represented in the 2025 Virginia General Assembly session. Members can contribute through the VDA website or when paying their dues.

Commit To Supporting Your Team’S Mental Health With Safehaven, Shannon Jacobs

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) has partnered with the Medical Society of Virginia to offer the SafeHaven™ program to its members, their teams, and immediate family members. SafeHaven™ provides confidential support for mental health and well-being, including peer coaching, counseling services, leadership development, peer support groups, and a WorkLife Concierge. The program aims to help dental professionals manage stress, burnout, and other mental health challenges without fear of stigma or professional consequences.

Trust Is Not Given; It Is Earned, Ryan Dunn

Virginia Dental Journal

Ryan Dunn, CEO of the Virginia Dental Association, emphasizes the importance of trust in the dental profession and the association's efforts. He highlights the erosion of trust in institutions and media, noting that people increasingly rely on their own research and local sources. Dunn suggests strategies for maintaining trust, including engaging with patients respectfully, leveraging local components, using alternative media, and empowering members to share the benefits of the association.

Transforming Dentistry, James Mercer Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. James Mercer, the new ADA Trustee for the 16th District, discusses the ADA's innovative approach to membership revenue growth. He acknowledges his predecessor, Dr. Gary Oyster, and shares his background in oral maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Mercer emphasizes the need for uncoupling dues from financial sustainability and increasing non-dues revenue to allow for a low monthly subscription to membership. He highlights the ADA's transformational changes under the leadership of Dr. Ray Cohlmia, the new executive director, who aims to increase membership and non-dues revenue.

You’Ve Got Mail, Sarah Friend Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Journal has transitioned to a digital-only publication as of 2025, following a decision by the Virginia Dental Association’s Board of Directors in September 2023. This change aligns with the broader shift towards digital communication. The Journal is now accessible through the ADA Commons platform, which offers secure, long-term storage and increased discoverability. The platform also allows authors to contribute and access readership metrics. The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) will also switch to digital in 2025. Readers are encouraged to ensure their email addresses are up to date to receive notifications about new editions.

Involved Or Committed, Justin Norbo Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Justin Norbo, in his message, emphasizes the importance of being fully present and committed in various roles, whether in professional or personal life. He reflects on a speech by ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler, who highlighted the need for leaders to focus on their current responsibilities without distractions. Dr. Norbo extends this idea, urging members of the Virginia Dental Association (VDA) to not just be involved but to be committed to making a difference. He encourages members to actively participate in VDA activities, recruit new members, support the VDA PAC, and volunteer for community services. The overarching message is …

Va Dent J January, February And March 2025

Virginia Dental Journal

The January-March 2025 issue of the Virginia Dental Journal (Volume 102, Number 1) highlights various topics relevant to the dental community, including articles on supporting mental health through the SafeHaven™ program, innovative membership strategies from the ADA, and updates on legislative advocacy efforts. It also features academic content, such as pediatric dentistry abstracts and case studies, and showcases the journal's transition to a digital-only format for improved accessibility and archival capabilities. Additionally, the issue provides organizational news, awards, and practical tools for dental professionals.

Homecoming Mom Returns To Wise After Three Years Absence, Madelyn Lawrence

Virginia Dental Journal

Madelyn Lawrence, a VCU School of Dentistry student and UVA-Wise alum, shares her transformative experience with the Mission of Mercy (MOM) project in Wise, Virginia. Initially volunteering in 2019, she witnessed the profound impact of providing free dental care to underserved rural communities. Returning as a dental student, she felt a deep connection to the patients and recognized the critical need for accessible dental care in such areas. Lawrence urges dental professionals to volunteer for projects like MOM, emphasizing the life-changing benefits for both providers and recipients.

How Can Financial Planning Software Help You Plan For Retirement?, Jeremy Pickett

Virginia Dental Journal

Financial planning software helps retirees navigate the complexities of retirement by considering various factors like assets, liabilities, income sources, and expenses. Unlike the simplistic four percent rule, modern software uses Monte Carlo Simulation to account for uncertainties such as sequence of return risk. This allows retirees to model different scenarios, make informed decisions, and adjust their plans over time to ensure financial stability throughout retirement.

Do You Know How To Prevent Financial Fraud In Your Dental Practice?, Phil Nieto

Virginia Dental Journal

Financial fraud is a significant concern for dental practices, with an estimated 20%-60% of dentists affected over their careers. To prevent embezzlement, dentists should utilize the security functions of their practice management software, including setting high-level user permissions and audit logs. Daily checks on patient returns and weekly audits of financial consistency are crucial. Monitoring these areas can help detect and deter fraudulent activities, ensuring the financial health of the practice.

Reduce Costs And Boost Profits, Robert Mcdermott

Virginia Dental Journal

Dental practices face significant challenges with time-consuming tasks like insurance verification, which can be streamlined through automation. Automated dental insurance verification can save nearly 30 hours a week, effectively adding a full-time employee without the overhead. This not only reduces costs but also improves patient care by identifying revenue and treatment opportunities. Additionally, revenue analytics tools help practices stay on top of patient eligibility and uncollected accounts, boosting overall profits. Solutions like iCoreConnect's cloud-based products offer comprehensive tools to enhance productivity and financial growth for both solo practices and DSOs.

Vda Member Perks Announces Expanded Endorsement With Icoreconnect, Elise Rupinski

Virginia Dental Journal

The VDA Member Perks Program has expanded its endorsement of iCoreConnect, adding five new services to its portfolio. Building on previous endorsements of HIPAA-compliant email, ePrescription software, and automated insurance verification, the new services include iCoreCloud for data backup, iCoreCodeGenius for medical coding, iCoreHuddle for analytics, iCoreHuddle+ for detailed practice metrics, and iCoreIT for managed IT services. These tools aim to enhance productivity and profitability for VDA members, who also receive exclusive savings on these services.

Social Media Trends And Tips For 2023, Michaela Mishoe

Virginia Dental Journal

In 2023, social media trends emphasize the importance of short-form videos, such as TikTok and Instagram Reels, to engage audiences. Educational content that adds value and is easy to understand can help break through the clutter. Collaborating with micro-influencers and other healthcare providers can expand reach and credibility. Regularly analyzing social media performance can guide content strategy adjustments. Lastly, maintaining authenticity in content is crucial for building trust and effectively communicating your practice's values.

Virginia Board Of Dentistry Notes December 2, 2022, Ursula Klostermyer Dds, Phd

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Board of Dentistry meeting on December 2, 2022, addressed several key issues. New Director of the Department of Health Professions, Mr. Arne W. Owens, acknowledged workforce shortages and proposed new ideas to tackle them. The Board discussed regulatory updates, including simplifying language and reducing reactivation costs for inactive licenses. They clarified procedures for taking vital signs during sedation and increased continuing education hours for dentists and dental hygienists providing free services to low-income individuals. The disciplinary report revealed that most closed cases were patient care-related, with some resulting in license suspensions.

Update: Smiles For Children Program (Medicaid), Roger Palmer

Virginia Dental Journal

The Smiles for Children program, part of Virginia's Medicaid, has expanded to provide comprehensive dental care to adults as of July 2021. This includes treatments like endodontics, crowns, and dentures. Despite a 30% fee increase in 2022, there is a shortage of participating dentists to meet the high demand. Dr. Roger Palmer encourages more dentists to join the program to help underserved populations, highlighting the satisfaction of restoring dental health and the streamlined payment process. For more information, dentists can contact Dr. Palmer directly.