Mothers, Dentists, Business Owners

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

Dentistry is a field that is made up of individuals from all walks of life. Get into the minds of some of your local colleagues that are balancing being mothers, dentists, and business owners.

Dr. Colette Rumann Smiley: A Life In Dentistry, Advocacy, And Reinvention

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

This article profiles Dr. Colette Rumann Smiley, starting from her introduction to dentistry at a young age and following though to her current philanthropic work and career highlights. Dr. Smiley gives clear and meaningful advice for navigating a career built on decades of lived experience.

Wmdds Bulletin Summer 2025

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

In the Summer 2025 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Dr. Colette Rumann Smiley: A Life in Dentistry, Advocacy, and Reinvention
• Mothers, Dentists, Business Owners
• An Interfaith Dental Program Update
• Pearls from Local Dentists

Also included are your monthly tripartite update, news from West Michigan counties, the President's Message and Editor's Letter.

Wmdds Bulletin Directory 2025

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

In the 2025 Directory edition of the West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin, the reader will find a comprehensive listing of WMDDS members for 2025.

Screening Of Elevated Blood Pressure In Patients Attending Endodontic Clinics: A Cross-Sectional Study, Adil Othman Abdullah, Hezah Saadi Hassan, Shaima Othman Muhammad, Seyyedeh Shima Hakimi Manesh, Sara Kawa Muhamadamin, Hanif Khan

Polytechnic Journal

One of the most important cardiovascular conditions that account for the highest mortality rate around the world is Hypertension. It is defined as a condition where systolic and diastolic blood pressure values are ≥ 140 mmHg and ≥ 90 mmHg, respectively, or a use of antihypertensive drug is being made. TThis study aims to identify and report the prevalence of elevated blood pressure levels among patients attending an endodontics clinic. The study was conducted among a group of 100 patients who sought endodontic treatment at university hospital, endodontics department. The collected information included blood pressure measurement and answers to a …

Effect Of Gingival Pigmentations And Anterior Crown Heights On Smile Attractiveness Regarding Gingival Exposure Assed By Orthodontists, Dentists, And Laypeople: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ziad Tannoury, Marianne Moussallem, Joseph Ghoubril, Adib Kassis, Elie Khoury

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of gingival pigmentations and anterior crown heights in conjunction with the maxillary gingival display on the perception of smile attractiveness assessed by orthodontists, dentists, and laypersons.

Methods: Frontal intraoral photograph of ideally aligned teeth was modified to generate 3 levels of gingival smile exposure (2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm) with 4 different degrees of gingival pigmentation index according to DOPI and 5 different central incisors crown heights (7.7 mm, 8.7 mm, 9.7 mm, 10.7 mm, and 11.7 mm). Attractiveness of these 24 smiles was evaluated by orthodontists …

Sfdda Newsletter Summer 2025

SFDDA Newsletter

SFDDA Newsletter includes regular columns with regional news impacting the South Florida District membership including: columns from the President and editor, feature articles relating to the field of dentistry, association events and upcoming activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Application Of Improved Super-Elastic Ti-Ni Alloy Wire For The Treatment Of Adult Skeletal Class Ii With Severe Deep Bite, Pin-Yu Chen, Yuan-Hou Chen, Jian-Hong Yu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

An adult female (26 years old) with a chief complaint of poor dental alignment, deep bite, and maxillary protrusion came for orthodontic evaluation. Clinical examination indicated Class II canine relationship combined with large overbite and overjet and accentuated Curve of Spee. Radiographic examination showed skeletal Class II and lower right first molar missing. Improved Super-elastic Ti-Ni alloy wire (ISW, developed by Institute of Science Tokyo) curve was added over the lower arch to flatten Curve of Spee, and extraction of bilateral upper first premolars with intramaxillary elastics to perform anterior retraction was considered. At the end of treatment, we achieved …

Goal-Oriented Aesthetic Treatment (Goat): A Systematic Framework For Three-Dimensional Facial Aesthetic Assessment — Part 2: Sagittal Dimension, Heng-Ming Chang, Yu-Chun Su, Min-Hsun Hsu, Yu-Ting Lin, Chih-Wei Wang

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Facial aesthetics is a multidimensional concept that requires an integrative assessment of the sagittal, vertical, and transverse planes to achieve balance and harmony. Following the evaluation of the vertical dimension in Part I, this review focuses on the sagittal plane, which plays a pivotal role in facial profile balance and anteroposterior skeletal relationships. The Goal-Oriented Aesthetic Treatment (GOAT) framework provides a structured methodology for diagnosing and addressing sagittal discrepancies, incorporating clinical reference lines, chin morphology, incisor inclination, and anchorage considerations. A comprehensive assessment of the sagittal dimension involves the use of key diagnostic tools such as the Barcelona Line (BL), …

Goal-Oriented Aesthetic Treatment (Goat): A Systematic Framework For Three-Dimensional Facial Aesthetic Assessment — Part 1: Vertical Dimension, Heng-Ming Chang, Yao Chen, Kwok-Hing Ho, Kai-Long Wang, Chih-Wei Wang

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Facial aesthetics is a multidimensional concept that requires an integrative assessment of the sagittal, vertical, and transverse planes to achieve balance and harmony. Among these, the vertical dimension plays a crucial role in determining facial proportions, occlusal function, and overall aesthetic perception. This review introduces the Goal-Oriented Aesthetic Treatment (GOAT) framework as a systematic approach to evaluating the vertical aspects of facial aesthetics, providing a structured methodology for clinical assessment and treatment planning. A comprehensive evaluation of the vertical dimension encompasses several key parameters, including facial pattern classification, vertical proportions, lip competency, and overbite analysis. Traditional cephalometric indices, such as …

Predicting Stability And Relapse In Class Iii Patients: The Role Of The Mandibular Plane Angle In Bimaxillary Surgery, Jason Jyun-Cheng Kuo, Min-Chi Chen, Yu-Chih Wang, Ellen Wen-Ching Ko

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Purpose: Skeletal stability after orthognathic surgery remains challenging in Class III malocclusion. This study examined how preoperative mandibular plane angle (FMA) and its surgical changes affect postoperative outcomes.

Patients and Methods: Sixty adult Taiwanese patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion treated by bimaxillary surgery without genioplasty were retrospectively analyzed. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at preoperative (T0), immediate postoperative (T1), and orthodontic debonding, ≥ 1-year postoperative (T2) stages was used to measure sagittal (Pog-CP), vertical (Me-FH), and transverse (Go–Go) changes. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results: Smaller preoperative FMA and larger increased intraoperative FMA increases were significantly associated …

Volumetric Analysis And Anatomical Variations Of The Maxillary Sinus: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study, Prafen Pokhrel, Rabindra Man Shrestha, Ujjawal Pyakurel, Roshan Poudel

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the volume and to assess the anatomical variations of maxillary sinus using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using 64 CBCT scans of the subjects belonging to the age group 18-50 years. Using Care Stream 3D imaging software, the scans were exported and read in an orthogonal slicing view. The width and length of the sinus were measured in axial section, whereas the height was measured in coronal section. Volume and area of sinus were calculated using 3D Slicer software. The assessment of septa was done …

Effects Of Probiotic Lactobacilli On Streptococcus Mutans: Implications For Early Childhood Caries, Walaa Al-Turki

All ETDs from UAB

Effects of Probiotic Lactobacilli on Streptococcus mutans: Implications for Early Childhood Caries WALAA MOHIEDEN AL TURKI DENTISTRY ABSTRACT Purpose: Probiotic Lactobacillus species have been shown to have beneficial effects against early childhood caries (ECC) by inhibiting the growth of cariogenic bacteria. However, the acidogenicity of Lactobacillus spp. could have potential carcinogenic effect. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of probiotic lactobacilli and cariogenic lactobacilli on the growth, biofilm formation, and acid production of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Methods: Growth competition between probiotic L. rhamnosus GG (L-GG) or caries-associated L. rhamnosus M72-26 (L-M72) and S. mutans UA159 …

Water Absorption, Surface Roughness And Flexural Strength Assessment Of Peek With And Without Aging., Pranjal Ramchandra Daundakr

All ETDs from UAB

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) has been the primary material for complete denture bases since its introduction in 1936 due to its esthetics, affordability, and ease of processing. However, PMMA demonstrates well-documented shortcomings, including relatively low flexural strength, high water absorption, and susceptibility to surface wear. These limitations lead to fractures, loss of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD), frequent relines, and compromised esthetics. Even advanced formats such as CAD-CAM milled and 3D printed PMMA remain prone to dimensional instability, microbial colonization, and long-term degradation. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a high-performance thermoplastic originally used in orthopedic and spinal implants, has recently been introduced into dentistry as …

In-Vitro Antimicrobial Activity, Demineralization Inhibition Potential, And Staining Effects Of Three Silver Fluoride Materials, Quiesly Torres

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Dental caries is a worldwide preventable public health problem. It affects any individuals regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been extensively used for preventing cavities, but it has side effects; therefore, some other biocompatible antimicrobial and remineralization-inducing alternative materials have been developed. Purpose: This study aims to assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity, demineralization inhibition potential, and staining effect of SDF, Nano Silver Fluoride (NSF), and silver fluoride + potassium iodide (SF/KI). Methods: Three silver diamine fluoride-based materials were tested: SDF 38% (Advantage Arrest®, Elevate Oral Care, USA), 1500 ppm NSF …

Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Socket Healing And Mronj, Yuki Arai, Chiaki Tsutsumi-Arai, Jeryl D English, Noriaki Ono, Wanida Ono

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This review aims to summarise the current understanding of the biological processes involved in socket healing after tooth extraction and the contribution of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) during these processes. Additionally, it seeks to explore the mechanisms underlying medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), often linked to tooth extraction, to provide insights for future research directions. Socket healing is a complex biological process consisting of three phases: inflammatory, proliferative and modelling/remodelling. MSCs, particularly those derived from periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and bone lining cells, are known to play a significant role in the initial and subsequent stages of healing. However, …

Randomized Control Trial Of A Novel Dental Gel As An Adjunct To Scaling And Root Planing In Subjects With Stage Ii & Iii Periodontitis, Efstratios Choreftakis

All ETDs from UAB

Scaling and root planing (ScRP) is the gold standard for non-surgical periodontal therapy, yet no dentifrice has been definitively shown to improve its outcomes. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of LivFresh Dental Gel as an adjunct to ScRP in patients with Stage II and III periodontitis. Twenty-one participants were assigned to either a test group using LivFresh Dental Gel or a control group using a standard sodium fluoride dentifrice. Clinical parameters—including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP)—were assessed at baseline, 30, 90, and 180 days. The …

Strength Of Self-Adhesive Resin Cements To Shortened Zirconia Crowns With And Without An Additional Coat Of Adhesive, Abraham John

All ETDs from UAB

Self-adhesive cements have gained popularity due to their ease of manipulation as they do not require a separate etch, primer, or bonding agent to bond to the tooth or crown surfaces. However, the use of an adhesive bonding agent with a self-adhesive resin cement has been claimed to improve its bond strength. The objective of this study is to compare the retention bond strength of 2 self-adhesive cements on to the tooth surface with and without the use of bonding agents with a known control. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 extracted non-carious second premolar teeth were collected. The …

Biomechanicalperformanceofimplant-Tooth-Supportedprostheses:Anumerical3dfiniteelementanalysis, Basma Refaat Fayad, Islam Heiba Dr, Al Hassan Diab

Dentistry

Objective:Toassessthebiomechanicalbehaviourofimplant-tooth-supported(hybrid)pros-theses,comparedwithanimplant-implant-supportedprosthesis,utilisingtwodifferentprostheticmaterials,employingfiniteelementanalysis(FEA).Method:Threedigitalmodels,derivedfromaCBCT-scannededentulousmandible,weredesigned:twohybridconfigurations(M1:distalimplant-firstpremolar;M2:mesialimplant-firstmolar)andanimplant-implant-supportedprosthesis(M3).Abiomechanicalmodellingworkflowwascarriedout(Mimicsforsegmentation,3-Maticforbone/mucosallayerrefinement,ExocadDentalCADandSolidWorksforimplants,abutmentandprosthe-sisintegration,andANSYSformeshingandFEA).Assumingisotropic/elasticmaterialproperties,zirconiaandpolyetherketoneketone(PEKK)wereselectedasprostheticmateri-als.Modelsweresubjectedtoastaticverticalload(100N).vonMisesstressandtotaldefor-mationwereanalysedtoevaluatestructuralresponses.Results:M3demonstratedthemostfavourablebiomechanicalprofile,exhibitingthelowestvonMisesstressmagnitudesalongsidethehighestoveralldeformation.Inhybridmodels(M1,M2),stressmaximawerelocalisedatthepontic−toothconnectorregionsand,inM1-PEKK,reached261MPainthescrew.Corticalboneandpreparedteethexhibitedhigherstressindis-tallyanchoredhybridsystems(M1)comparedtomesiallysupporteddesigns(M2),regardlessoftheprostheticmaterial.Comparativeanalysisrevealedthatzirconia-basedprosthesesgen-eratedhigherstressconcentrationsinbone(≤35MPa)comparedtoPEKK,whereasthePEKKprosthesisitselfexhibitedgreaterstructuraldeformation(70mminM1-PEKK).Conclusion:Hybridimplant-tooth-supportedprosthesescanactasareliablealternativetoimplant-implantonesandeliminatecantileverextensions;however,theiruseshouldbereservedforcarefullyselectedcasestoavoidbiomechanicalincompatibilities.

A Comparison Of Shear Bond Strength Of Denture Teeth To Denture Base Using Different Means Of Retention: An In Vitro Pilot Study, Dima Taha El Baba, Paul Boulos

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: The objective of this work is to evaluate the shear bond strength between denture base resin and three different acrylic artificial denture teeth. The latter was subjected to three different surface modifications on the ridge lap area and compared to unmodified acrylic artificial denture teeth.

Methods: In this experimental in vitro study, twenty-four maxillary central incisor acrylic teeth were used from each of three manufacturers; namely Major®, Ivoclar® and Myerson®. The teeth were additionally divided into four test groups with six specimens in each: a control group, a chemical retention group, a mechanical retention group, and a …

Ada News - 09/08/2025, 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.

President's Message, Gregory P. Guerra D.D.S.

New Orleans Dental Association News

Monthly update from Dr. Greg Guerra, D.D.S. with details of recent events, upcoming activities and news from the association.

Noda News September 2025

New Orleans Dental Association News

New Orleans Dental Association (NODA) News includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New Orleans membership including: columns from the President and Executive Director, feature articles relating to the field of dentistry, association events and upcoming activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Gellan Gum Formulations Containing Natural Polyphenolic Compounds To Treat Oral Candidiasis, Narchonai Ganesan, Lewis Oscar Felix, Biswajit Mishra, Liyang Zhang, Charilaos Dellis, Fadi Shehadeh, Danielle Wu, Lissette A Cruz, R M Arce, Eleftherios Mylonakis

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Oral candidiasis (OC) is caused by Candida albicans, targeting immunocompromised individuals and developing drug resistance, highlighting the need for advanced therapeutics. Polyphenols such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and ellagic acid (EA) display antifungal and immune-modulating properties. Incorporating CAPE and EA in gellan gum (GG) formulation enhances their applicability and effectiveness against OC. We developed GG-based formulations loaded with CAPE (1,000 µg/mL), EA (1,000 µg/mL), or CAPE + EA (1,000 µg/mL each) against C. albicans. GG formulations containing gellan (0.6% and 1.0%), genipin (5 mM), polyethylene glycol 400 (0.5%), and sorbitan monooleate 80 (0.5%) demonstrated enhanced release …

Salivary Matrix Metalloproteinase-7, Human Beta-Defensin 1, And Mucin-4 As Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers In Periodontal Disease: A Review, Haider Mohammed Shaloom, Omar Husham Ali

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Periodontal diseases are a group of chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory conditions affecting the periodontium, the supportive structures of the teeth. With severe forms affecting nearly 20% of the worldwide adult population, these diseases represent a significant global health challenge. Their impact extends beyond the oral cavity, as periodontitis is a recognized risk factor for systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Characterized by the progressive destruction of tooth-supporting tissues, early diagnosis is crucial to prevent tooth loss. However, conventional diagnostic methods primarily quantify historical tissue damage rather than indicating current disease activity or predicting future progression. To overcome these limitations, …

Dentistry Likely To Be Affected By Developments Of A Legal Nature, Lance Plunkett Jd, Llm

The New York State Dental Journal

A few new legal developments that affect dentistry have taken place in recent months. Prominent among these is a Big Beautiful Bill that may not be so pretty for New York State.

Macomb Community College Dental Clinic Hosts First “Give Kids A Smile” Event

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This feature article covers Macomb Community College Dental Clinic's first Give Kids a Smile event -- a collaboration between students, faculty, and community members.

Articulator Volume 31, Issue 3

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

The 3rd Quarter 2025 Articulator magazine, Volume 31, Issue 3, published by the Metro Denver Dental Society (MDDS) magazine, features articles on influential voices in the dental profession. The magazine features articles from ADA's President and President-Elect, from the Health Policy Institute, the host of Dental Soundbites Podcast, and from the dental director of a Colorado Community Health Center.

Help Us, Help You!, Bryan Savage

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article celebrates the role of organized dentistry and the many benefits that come with membership in organizations like MDDS and the ADA. It highlights the diverse continuing education opportunities, networking events, and strong advocacy efforts that empower dental professionals to grow their skills, build meaningful connections and have a united voice in shaping the future of the profession. Through shared commitment and active engagement, members help strengthen the dental.

Community Health Centers And The Changing Landscape In Colorado, Ethan Kerns

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article examines the vital role Community Health Centers (CHCs) play in Colorado's oral health landscape, highlighting their delivery of comprehensive, integrated dental services to underserved and low-income populations. The author details how shifting state and federal policy and mounting financial challenges, threaten CHC’s sustainability, which could diminish access to essential dental care for hundreds of thousands and create ripple effects throughout the broader dental system.