Dentistry Commons^™

Mda Foundation Mission Of Mercy: Transforming Lives, Relieving Pain, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation's Mission of Mercy (MOM) dental clinic in Flint provided free dental care to 659 patients over June 14-15, delivering 6,678 procedures valued at $1,156,285. The 120-chair clinic, set up by volunteers, saw patients from 35 Michigan counties and neighboring states. Patients, many of whom queued overnight, received an average of ten procedures each. Volunteers, including retired dentists, performed a wide range of services, from cleanings to complex surgeries. Translators were available to assist non-English speakers, and patients were informed about ongoing free or reduced-cost care options. The event, supported by local donations and community services, will continue …

Locum Tenens Dentists: You May Need One, Or You May Be One, Angie Kanazeh

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Locum tenens dentists temporarily fulfill the duties of an absent or short-staffed dentist. This practice is beneficial for both hiring dentists and those serving as locum tenens. For hiring dentists, considerations include ensuring the locum tenens dentist is properly licensed, credentialed with insurance networks, and adequately insured. For locum tenens dentists, benefits include flexible schedules, diverse experiences, networking opportunities, and potential higher earnings. Both parties should have clear agreements and consult with healthcare attorneys. The demand for locum tenens dentists is growing, offering valuable support in the dental community.

Addendum: A Small Molecule Produced By Lactobacillus Species Blocks Candida Albicans Filamentation By Inhibiting A Dyrk1-Family Kinase, Jessie Macalpine, Martin Daniel-Ivad, Zhongle Liu, Junko Yano, Nicole M. Revie, Robert T. Todd, Peter J. Stogios, Hiram Sanchez, Teresa R. O'Meara, Thomas A. Tompkins, Alexei Savchenko, Anna Selmecki, Amanda O. Veri, David R. Andes, Paul L. Fidel, Nicole Robbins, Justin Nodwell, Luke Whitesell, Leah E. Cowen

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Mda Insurance: At Last – A Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Policy That Can Help Pay For Catastrophic Care, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Families face tough caregiving decisions due to high custodial care costs, often resulting in financial and emotional strain. MDA Insurance offers an affordable whole life insurance policy with a catastrophic loss rider, providing $2,000 monthly for up to 12 months for those unable to perform daily living activities. This policy, issued by Boston Mutual Life Insurance, is available on a guaranteed-issue basis and accumulates cash value. Apply by Aug. 30 for an Oct. 1 effective date. Contact MDA Insurance for more information.

Mda At Your Service: My License Expired, And I’M Overwhelmed, Kristin Johnson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Public Health Code allows a 60-day grace period for license renewal with late fees and CE requirements. For health insurance options, MDA Insurance provides assistance and quotes. Attend the MDA Health Insurance Seminar on Oct. 25 for more insights. Engage in organized dentistry via local society meetings, the MDA Leadership Forum, and the LEAD Program. MDA Insurance offers Medicare support, including educational events on Sept. 13 and 27. For more details, contact relevant MDA representatives.

The New Professional: Mastering Those Awkward Moments With Patients, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Navigating awkward moments in a dental office is essential for positive patient experiences. Establish rapport with patients, use active listening, and avoid jargon. Prepare for common scenarios, communicate clearly, and address fears. Stay calm with difficult questions and provide honest answers. Train staff through role-play and feedback, and cultivate a positive, empathetic environment. Regularly solicit patient feedback to improve. These strategies ensure patients feel valued and supported.

J Mich Dent Assoc August 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every 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.

In the August 2024 issue, the Journal focuses on the 2024 Mission of Mercy event held in Flint Original content includes:

• A cover story on the MOM

• A feature article on Locum Tenens Dentists

• A New Professional Column

• News You Need, an editorial, and regular department articles covering MDA Foundation activities, MDA Services, Dentistry and the Law, and Staff Matters.

Additional feature article …

Managing Medicaid Managed Care, Lance Plunkett Jd, Llm

The New York State Dental Journal

There is a system in place to ensure Medicaid managed care organizations operate properly. How effective these controls are is a different issue.

Rural Oral Health Access Disparities In New York State, Renae Williams Atkinson Dmd, Ms, Stacy Mcilduff Cfre, Hayward Derek Horton Phd

The New York State Dental Journal

Disparities in access to dental care for those whose primary/only dental insurance is Medicaid is a known issue. The infamous case of 12-year-old Deamonte Driver from Maryland brought this great need for access to private dental care through Medicaid to the fore. Yet, to this date, there has been no resource to address this great need.

Dentists accepting Medicaid fall into two categories: those who practice in federally qualified health centers (FQHC), and those who practice privately. FQHCs are known anecdotally to have long waitlists, delaying access to needed care (as in the case of Driver). This is compounded by …

N Y State Dent J August-September 2024

The New York State Dental Journal

In the August-September 2024 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Success of Implant Placement in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Effects of Mandatory COVID-19 Testing Policy on No-Show Rates for Aerosol-Generating Procedures
• Heterotopic Bone Formation after TMJ Surgery
• Rural Oral Health Access Disparities in New York State

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New York membership including editorial and perspectives columns, legal, association activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Hold Tightly To The Human Touch, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this editorial, Dr. Dziurgot reflects on the diminishing human interaction in various services, from ordering food to medical appointments. The editorial emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal communication in dentistry, arguing that patient care should remain personalized and compassionate. The author reminisces about the personalized service of the past, stressing the need for dentists to engage directly with patients, understand their unique needs, and provide a welcoming environment. The piece calls for a return to human touch in professional practices, despite the convenience of modern technology.

Dentistry And The Law: Don’T Overlook Corporate Transparency Act Compliance, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), entities existing as of January 1, 2024, must report beneficial ownership to FinCEN by December 31, 2024. Beneficial owners include those with 25% ownership or substantial control. Required information includes legal name, birthdate, address, and ID details. Non-compliance can result in severe civil and criminal penalties. Exceptions may apply for tax-exempt entities and large companies. Legal challenges to the CTA are ongoing, but compliance is advised.

Eating Disorders And Oral Health: A Dental Professional's Role, Bree Zhang

The New York State Dental Journal

Eating disorders are more common than we think, affecting 9% of the world's population and increasing in prevalence each year. Research shows early intervention provides a greater chance of recovery. Dentists must be cognizant of signs their patients may be engaged in harmful eating behavior and be prepared to intervene.

Success Of Implants In Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Osman Khan, Kathryn Gauch, Alison Newgard Dds, Ezzard Rolle Dds

The New York State Dental Journal

With the development of effective antiviral medication, patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are living longer, with fewer comorbidities. Because HIV is a chronic disease, patients are looking for long-term solutions to dental care. As dental providers, it is important that we treat patients to the standard of care. Currently, implants are the standard of care for treating edentulous areas. Dental providers may be hesitant to recommend implants in patients with complex medical conditions like HIV. However, research has shown that if a patient with HIV is well-controlled, dental implant success is the same as with a healthy non-HIV infected …

Heterotopic Bone Formation After Tmj Surgery — A Literature Review, Sumir Gandhi Dds, Mds, Robert S. Glickman Dmd

The New York State Dental Journal

Background: Heterotrophic ossification (HO) is defined as the formation of lamellar bone in soft tissues where normally bone does not exist. It is a rehabilitative disease which can be associated with any joint in the body; however, its pathogenesis and management in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is infrequently mentioned in the literature.

Types of studies reviewed: The authors searched various articles which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized clinical trials, Cohort studies, case reports and literature review on heterotopic bone formation and treatment in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus.

Results: Identification of patients who are classified as high risk for the …

A Sorry Situation, Chester J. Gary Dds, Jd

The New York State Dental Journal

Doing the right thing and apologizing to a patient for an adverse treatment outcome can, but shouldn't, increase a dentist's liability.

Effects Of A Mandatory Covid-19 Testing Policy On No-Show Rates For Aerosol Generating Procedures, Ramin Kashani Dds, Natesha Kumar Dds, Sheena Nandi Dds, Mph, Courtney H. Chinn Dds, Mph

The New York State Dental Journal

Purpose: To determine the impact of a mandatory COVID-19 testing policy on visit no- show rates. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review at Bellevue Hospital’s Pediatric Dental Clinic, comparing no-show rates and dental work completed before and during this policy. Results: We assessed a total of 812 scheduled appointments. After the policy, we found no statistical difference between no-show rates, more quadrants of dental work completed per visit (P<0.001), and shorter interval times between appointments (P<0.001). Conclusion: The policy did not increase visit no-show rates. We also found more treatment completed in a shorter timeframe.

Metronidazole May Display Anti-Inflammatory Features In Periodontitis Treatment: A Scoping Review, Lina J Suárez, Roger M Arce, Cristiane Gonçalves, Camila Pinheiro Furquim, Nidia Castro Dos Santos, Belén Retamal-Valdes, Magda Feres

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Aim: Metronidazole (MTZ) is an antimicrobial agent used to treat anaerobic infections. It has been hypothesized that MTZ may also have anti-inflammatory properties, but the evidence is limited and has not been previously reviewed. Thus, this scoping review aimed to answer the following question: "What is the evidence supporting anti-inflammatory properties of metronidazole that are not mediated by its antimicrobial effects?"

Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR statement. Five databases were searched up to January 2023 for studies evaluating the anti-inflammatory properties of MTZ used as monotherapy for treating infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Results: A total …

Covid-19 Safety: Perspectives From Dental Students, Man Hung, Daniel Yevseyevich, Amir Mohajeri, Nicole Hablitzel, Sharon Su, Martin S. Lipsky

Institute on Aging Publications

Background: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic created challenges for healthcare providers, especially dental professionals in practices and universities. This study investigated dental students’ concerns about COVID-19 and whether institutional communication influenced pandemic-related stressors. Methods: An online survey designed to elicit dental students’ concerns about COVID-19 was distributed to all dental students enrolled at a private non-profit academic institution in the Western United States from 26 April 2021 to 25 August 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the respondents, and Chi-square test and z-test analyses were used to compare students’ experiences. Results: A total of 92 dental students answered the survey. …

Stratasys Printed 3-D Mandibular Molar With Tooth Anatomy And Texture, M. Austin White, Charles E. Taylor, Edwin Kee, Albert F. Mcmullen

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Introduction: We used CBCT scans of a human mandibular molar in concert with the Stratasys 3-D printer to fabricate said teeth with similar texture and hardness to enamel, dentin, and cementum. The printed tooth should also have the same crown and root anatomy, as well as root canal anatomy of the scanned tooth. Methods: One mandibular first molar was scanned (Carestream Dental CS 9600 CBCT) and printed (Stratasys 3D multi-material printer). A (Micromet 5104) hardness tester was used to test the hardness of the printed tooth. Nine combinations of two different materials (Stratasys’ Vero Pure White and Agilus 30 Clear …

Cholesterol Drugs May Improve Periodontal Disease

New Orleans Dental Association News

Recently, statin treatment applied locally into tissues during both surgical and nonsurgical procedures exhibiting a positive effect on various parameters of periodontal tissue health. When looking at this novel, not yet commonly utilized approach to the local application of statins as an adjunct to periodontal treatment, early studies have shown significant improvement in clinical parameters, such as probing depth and clinical attachment levels. This method of local statin delivery into the tissue shows promise, and should be explored by further research.

Dental Hygiene Program Admission Criteria Key Indicators To National Board Success, Kacy Goetz

Dental Hygiene ETDs

The study evaluates the admission criteria of entry-level dental hygiene programs in the United States and their relationship to National Dental Hygiene Board Examination (NDHBE) success rates. An online survey was distributed to 327 programs, gathering data on admission criteria and NDHBE outcomes through a 16-question Microsoft Forms survey. With a response rate of 16% (53 respondents), the survey found that GPA was the most common admission criterion used by 92% of programs. The results indicated a strong negative correlation between high school GPA and NDHBE success. The study also evaluated NDHBE pass rates with board review courses taken. The …

Assessing Dental Hygiene Students’ Perspectives: A Survey Of Curriculum Adequacy For Interdisciplinary Settings In U.S. Dental Hygiene Programs, Brittany Elaine Tripp

Dental Hygiene ETDs

This study investigated whether dental hygiene programs implement interdisciplinary care into their curriculum and assessed student preparedness for working in interdisciplinary settings. The study also aimed to identify student preferences for various interdisciplinary care settings. A survey was developed and distributed via email to program directors of accredited dental hygiene programs across the United States. Those programs directors were asked to forward the survey to currently enrolled final-year students. Out of eighty-two responses received, 16 were excluded because those respondents were not final-year dental hygiene students. Sixty-six participants were considered eligible for the survey (n=66). The results indicate that most …

Dental Hygiene Burnout In Clinical Practice From Covid-19; A Pilot Study Using Self-Reported Questionaire, Yvette Valladares

Dental Hygiene ETDs

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Covid-19 pandemic had increased feelings of burnout in registered dental hygienists who were employed in clinical practice before and during 2020. A survey of registered dental hygienists in California was employed. Participants completed a modified Maslach Burnout Inventory, to evaluate emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA). One open-ended question explored specific aspects of Covid-19 contributing to burnout. 162 surveys were completed and 139 met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis revealed that 40.29% reported high Emotional Exhaustion, 43.17% experienced low Depersonalization, and 85.61% reported high Personal Achievement. Lastly, …

Ergonomics And Musculoskeletal Disorders: An Evaluation Of Self-Assessment Using Surveys, Shannon L. Sherman

Dental Hygiene ETDs

Musculoskeletal disorders, MSDs, are a serious issue many dental professionals experience. It is understood that improper ergonomics are a contributing factor to developing MSDs. Several factors can be implemented into a dental hygienist’s everyday routine to help decrease the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate how many practicing dental hygienists experience musculoskeletal pain from daily hygiene practice and how ergonomics contributes to their level of pain. The study also discovered through self-assessment, areas participating dental hygienists would be willing to improve on in their daily ergonomic practice to potentially help decrease or prevent …

Admission Requirements Among Dental Hygiene Programs: Key Indicators To Student Success, Justin R. Nance

Dental Hygiene ETDs

This descriptive study evaluated both cognitive (academic) and non-cognitive (personal) factors considered in the admission process and their correlation with student retention rates in dental hygiene programs. The research examined admission criteria and student retention rates for students who matriculated in 2021 and 2022, aiming to develop more effective admission criteria that predict student success and retention. A survey consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions was distributed to 327 accredited dental hygiene program directors in order to gather data. The survey achieved a 16% response rate. The results of this study provide insights into how to develop more effective admission criteria …

A Fungal Metabolic Regulator Underlies Infectious Synergism During Candida Albicans-Staphylococcus Aureus Intra-Abdominal Co-Infection, Saikat Paul, Olivia A. Todd, Kara R. Eichelberger, Christine Tkaczyk, Bret R. Sellman, Mairi C. Noverr, James E. Cassat, Paul L. Fidel, Brian M. Peters

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are two commonly associated pathogens that cause nosocomial infections with high morbidity and mortality. Our prior and current work using a murine model of polymicrobial intra-abdominal infection (IAI) demonstrates that synergistic lethality is driven by Candida-induced upregulation of functional S. aureus α-toxin leading to polymicrobial sepsis and organ damage. In order to determine the candidal effector(s) mediating enhanced virulence, an unbiased screen of C. albicans transcription factor mutants was undertaken revealing that zcf13Δ/Δ fails to drive augmented α-toxin or lethal synergism during co-infection. A combination of transcriptional and phenotypic profiling approaches shows that ZCF13 regulates …

Ada News - 07/08/2024, American Dental Association, Publishing Division

ADA News

Established in 1970 as the official newspaper of the American Dental Association, the ADA News serves practicing dentists and others allied to the dental profession in the U.S. and internationally. It is the No. 1 source of news and information about the many benefits and services the ADA delivers to members daily as well as timely information on scientific, social, political and economic developments affecting dentistry and health care.

Genes Related To Frontonasal Malformations Are Regulated By Mir-338-5p, Mir-653-5p, And Mir-374-5p In O9-1 Cells, Chihiro Iwaya, Sunny Yu, Junichi Iwata

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Frontonasal malformations are caused by a failure in the growth of the frontonasal prominence during development. Although genetic studies have identified genes that are crucial for frontonasal development, it remains largely unknown how these genes are regulated during this process. Here, we show that microRNAs, which are short non-coding RNAs capable of targeting their target mRNAs for degradation or silencing their expression, play a crucial role in the regulation of genes related to frontonasal development in mice. Using the Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI) database, we curated a total of 25 mouse genes related to frontonasal malformations, including frontonasal hypoplasia, frontonasal …

Macomb Dental Society Journal Summer 2024

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

In the Summer 2024 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Young Dentists
• MODG Golf Outing
• The Meeting

Also included are regular columns from the President, Executive Director and Editor, as well as news shorts and information on upcoming events.