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N Y State Dent J June-July 2025

The New York State Dental Journal

In the June-July 2025 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• “To Thine Own Self be True”
• “Turning the Page on the Past”
• “Practicing Dentistry in the Age of Periodontal Risk"
• "Orofacial Manifestations of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Implications for Dental Care and Guidelines for Management"
• and “Assessment of Patient Knowledge and Awareness of Prosthodontics for Student and Patient Education and Communication"

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

The Back Page: Commentary: Going Non-Par: My Perspective, And 10 Lessons I’Ve Learned, Robert Antolak Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Robert Antolak shares his experience and ten lessons from transitioning his dental practice to a non-participating (non-par) status with insurance in January 2025, driven by declining reimbursements and the need to prioritize patient care. He highlights the unfairness of lower PPO reimbursements for newer dentists. Key lessons include securing a trusted coach, early patient communication, building a financial safety net, ensuring full team buy-in, committing with faith, tightening billing systems, frequent patient reminders, advocating for patients, creating an in-office payment plan (not percentage discounts), and clearly articulating the "why". Though revenue initially dropped, he anticipates full recovery, aiming to …

Moving Drives You Crazy, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Editor-in-Chief shares her frustrating experience moving a dental office. Key challenges included dental insurances dropping the practice from networks during recredentialing, causing denied claims for 30-60 days despite no changes to tax ID or NPI. State regulations also required new payments for radiation tubes, rather than crediting previous payments, despite a reduction in equipment. Furthermore, dental supply companies and movers did not take responsibility for broken equipment during the move. Despite these "insane and archaic" hurdles, most patients transitioned, and the article concludes with a comprehensive resource list for practice address changes

Impact Of The Adjunctive Use Of Omega-3 In Periodontitispatients With Diabetes On Local And Systemic Chemerin Levels:A Randomized Clinical Trial, Dalia Ghalwash, Ahmed M. Ammar, Ayman El-Gawish, Ahmed Hamdy

Dentistry

Aims: The present study aspired to evaluate the impact of the adjunctive use of omega-3 with nonsurgical periodontal therapy onclinical parameters as well as local and systemic chemerin levels as a marker of cardiovascular disease risk in periodontitis patientswith diabetes.Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on thirty periodontitis patients with type II diabetes divided into two equalgroups, both treated by nonsurgical periodontal treatment with the adjunctive use of daily 1000 mg Omega-3FAs in group I onlyfor 6 months. Patients were reexamined after 2 weeks (baseline), 3, and 6 months for recording the clinical parameters as follows:plaque index (PI), gingival …

Practicing Dentistry In The Age Of Periodontal Risk Management, Roger N. Warren D.D.S., Liana Umbrio D.D.S., Leena Palomo D.D.S., M.S.D.

The New York State Dental Journal

Purpose of review: To provide clinicians with knowledge of periodontal risk assessment that can be applied chairside effortlessly.

Recent findings: Detecting periodontal risk factors early may reduce the morbidity of oral and systemic diseases, as oral and systemic health can have a bidirectional relationship.

Summary: Dental professionals are equipped with evidence-based risk factors to predict and prevent the progression of periodontal disease. Implementing chairside risk assessment allows for prevention and early intervention, potentially reducing healthcare costs and promoting simpler solutions in an unpredictable economy.

Turning The Page On The Past, Maurice L. Edwards Dmd

The New York State Dental Journal

Maurice L. Edwards, D.M.D., NYSDA’s 144th President, is committed to making a fresh start for the Association and its members.

Good Faith Estimates And The No Surprises Act, Stuart L. Segelnick Dds, Ms

The New York State Dental Journal

Federal law requires dentists to be up front with self-pay patients about the cost of their treatment. Surprises may lead to penalties.

The No Surprises Act (NSA) went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022. This is a federal law that applies to all health-care providers, including dentists. The law gives certain rights to patients to help protect them from receiving surprise medical bills. These surprises usually occur when a person has no control over who treats them, such as during an emergency or when they are treated unknowingly by an out-of-network provider.

To Thine Own Self Be True

The New York State Dental Journal

THE NYSDA DIVERSITY and Inclusion Task Force, charged with acknowledging and promoting the disparate components of the Association’s membership, joins in the national observance of June as Pride Month. Designated in 1999, Pride Month commemorates the contributions to life and culture made by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. Among those celebrating and being celebrated this month is NYSDA member Alison Rascon, D.D.S., M.S.

The New Professional: Reimagining Rapport: Innovative Ways Dental Teams Connect With Patients, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores innovative communication strategies for dental practices to enhance patient interaction. It highlights the importance of digital onboarding for streamlined intake, two-way text messaging for efficient appointments, and personalized video messages to foster connection. Practices are adopting multilingual communication and AI tools like chatbots for 24/7 inquiry handling, integrating them with patient records for tailored responses. Interactive platforms with 3D visuals and video tutorials are used for patient education, empowering them in oral health decisions. The article also emphasizes leveraging social media for engagement, capturing real-time patient feedback, and maintaining empathy-driven human interaction despite technological advancements

What To Know About Release Of Information, Authorization, And Records Requests, Jennifer Cosey

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article clarifies HIPAA regulations regarding the disclosure of protected health information (PHI). It distinguishes between a "Right of Access" request, where a patient directly seeks their own record (no authorization needed), and an "Authorization," which is required for disclosures beyond treatment, payment, or health care operations, or to third parties for ongoing access. The author details activities permissible without authorization, such as coordination of care, billing, and quality improvement. Specific examples are provided for situations requiring authorization, like disclosing PHI to attorneys or for marketing. The article also outlines seven essential elements for a HIPAA-compliant authorization form

Mda Foundation: $10k Grant To Utica Clinic Makes Quality Dental Care Possible, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to the Trinity Community Care Clinic in Utica, enabling them to replace an aging panoramic X-ray machine. Founded in 2011 by Dr. Robert Antolak and volunteers, this faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit provides free or reduced-cost medical and dental care to uninsured or underinsured patients whose incomes are at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. The clinic relies on grants and donations, with dentists, hygienists, and University of Detroit Mercy dental students volunteering. Trinity Community Care offers various services, including extractions, dentures, restorations, and oral hygiene, consistently seeking more volunteers to expand its …

News You Need July 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

News You Need for July 2025 includes a listing of MDA members who have completed service on committees; a link to recent MDA Board actions; news about two dental journalism awards won by the MDA Journal; how younger patients are negatively influenced by social media; a letter to the editor regarding dental insurance; information about MDA Foundation scholarships; members receiving awards; a calendar of events; a patient fact sheet; and more.

Assessment Of Patient Knowledge And Awareness Of Prosthodontics For Student And Patient Education And Communication, Mijin Choi D.D.S., M.S., M.B.A., Facp, Tejal Gohil B.D.S., Cristina Osorio D.D.S., Hannah Jeong, Thomas S. Giugliano D.D.S.

The New York State Dental Journal

This study evaluates patient understanding of the scope of prosthodontic treatments. Utilizing an 11-question survey, 149 patients at a postgraduate prosthodontic clinic were queried. Data analysis included frequency summaries, cross-tabulations and Pearson Chi-square tests. Results showed 68.4% of respondents knew about the role of prosthodontists. Their main concerns were improving chewing (43.9%) and smile (42.6%), varying by age. While many recognized prosthodontists’ scope, cosmetic and complex dental treatments were less well known as prosthodontic specialties. This highlights a gap in patient awareness regarding the full range of prosthodontic services.

Orofacial Manifestations Of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (Haart) And Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep): Implications For Dental Care And Guidelines For Management, Alec Donelian, Yuedi Yu, Ezzard Rolle Dds, Alison Newgard Dds

The New York State Dental Journal

HAART and PrEP have demonstrated reduction of HIV-related mortality and HIV infection, respectively. A range of orofacial side effects has been associated with both HAART and PrEP. As PrEP usage has increased, there has also been an increase in sexually transmitted infections that have orofacial symptoms. As oral health-care providers, it is important that we recognize these orofacial side effects and symptoms. Further, we offer clinical recommendations for dental professionals treating patients who are on either HAART or PrEP and their associated risk factors.

Mda At Your Service: Does The Mda Have A Source For Free Labor Law Posters?, Rachel Sinacola Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This "Q&A" section addresses common MDA member inquiries. It confirms that MDA members receive free labor law posters and automatic updates directly from the association. The MDA also offers affiliate memberships for dentists moving out-of-state but retaining Michigan ties, preserving benefits like discounted CE. Information is provided on the Certified Dental Business Professional (CDBP) program, which offers affordable staff certification over three years. The next Mission of Mercy is scheduled for June 11-14, 2026, in Kalamazoo. Finally, the article notes the discontinuation of the MDA Fee Survey due to antitrust changes, and directs members to the ADA/MDA Code of Ethics …

A Preview Of Upcoming In-Person Ce Courses, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA has announced its Fall 2025 schedule for in-person continuing education (CE) courses, available on their website, with many including breakfast and lunch at affordable prices. Upcoming courses cover diverse topics such as endodontics (Aug 15), lip and tongue ties (Sept 5), sleep medicine and TMD (Sept 12), and dental professional liability risk management (Sept 19). Other sessions will address artificial intelligence in dentistry (Oct 10), esthetic dentistry and restorative materials (Oct 24), integrating sleep apnea therapy into practice (Nov 7), and a hands-on HR handbook workshop (Dec 5). The MDA encourages members to utilize these and on-demand resources …

J Mich Dent Assoc July 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 5,800 members. It stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists. The all-digital July issue features Dr. Michele Tulak-Gorecki’s "It’s Time to Dare Greatly at the ADA," where she outlines her vision for ADA president-elect, focusing on financial integrity, strengthened advocacy, and fostering unity amidst challenges like declining membership and issues with the association management system.

Supporting articles highlight the MDA’s endorsement of MEDVA, offering cost-effective, HIPAA-compliant virtual assistant solutions for dental practices to …

It’S Time To Dare Greatly At The Ada, Michele Tulak-Gorecki Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Michele Tulak-Gorecki, a candidate for ADA president-elect, outlines her platform, emphasizing the urgency for bold, collaborative leadership within the ADA. She addresses member concerns following the executive director's resignation, focusing on rebuilding trust and enhancing oversight. Her vision confronts declining membership, financial issues, and the flawed association management system (AMS) rollout, advocating for increased transparency and financial literacy. Tulak-Gorecki stresses the ADA's vital role in advocacy and unity across the tripartite model to protect the profession's standing. She calls for collective action to create a transparent, inclusive, innovative, and unified ADA

Quality Of Life Outcomes Following Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement: A Systematic Review Of Long-Term Efficacy, Functional Improvements, And Complication Rates Across Prosthesis Types, Luis Eduardo Almeida, Samuel Zammuto, Louis G. Mercuri

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction:

Total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is a well-established surgical solution for patients with severe TMJ disorders. It aims to relieve chronic pain, restore jaw mobility, and significantly enhance quality of life. This systematic review evaluates QoL outcomes following TMJR, analyzes complication profiles, compares custom versus stock prostheses, explores pediatric applications, and highlights technological innovations shaping the future of TMJ reconstruction.

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted throughout April 2025 in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Sixty-four studies were included, comprising 2387 patients. Results: Primary outcomes assessed were QoL improvement, pain reduction, and …

Knowledge And Awareness Of The Link Between Periodontitis And Systemic Diseases Among Iraqi Medical Doctors, Hadeel Mohammed Abbood

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Periodontitis has been shown to be a risk factor for systemic diseases, particularly diabetes mellites, and cardiovascular diseases. Hence, the medical practitioners should have sufficient knowledge regarding the link between periodontal disease and different systemic diseases and the adverse effect of periodontal diseases on the outcomes and prognosis of systemic diseases. The aim was to determine the extent of awareness of internal medicine specialists and general medical practitioners regarding the association between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases. Electronic questionnaire were disseminated among Iraqi medical doctors. These questionnaires were composed of general questions about the doctors, awareness of periodontal diseases. And …

Voclosporin‐Induced Gingival Enlargement: A Case Report, Dimitris N. Tatakis

Faculty Scholarship

The gingiva (gums) is often a site in the mouth where changes or reactions can occur in response to certain systemic medications. Some drugs, particularly those used to treat autoimmune conditions or following organ transplants, can cause the gums to grow excessively, a condition known as drug-induced gingival enlargement (also known as gingival overgrowth). In this report, we document the case of a 27-year-old woman with lupus nephritis who developed gingival enlargement after starting a medication called voclosporin. This drug is a newer treatment option for lupus nephritis, but until now had not been linked to gingival enlargement. The patient …

A Case Of Class Iii Malocclusion With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated By Orthodontic Treatment Combined Two-Jaw Orthognathic Surgery, Chao-Yu Lu, Yu-Feng Chen, Yu-Chuan Tseng

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

This case report presents a successful treatment outcome of a 24-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with moderate type of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (AHI, 22.8). Cephalometric analysis demonstrates skeletal Class III jaw relation with mandibular prognathism, hyperdivergent facial pattern, Angle’s Class III malocclusion, and anterior cross-bite. Treatment intervention included orthodontic treatment combined with two-jaw orthognathic surgery and genioglossus advancement (GGA). In total treatment period of 14 months, the patient was satisfied with not only the improvement of facial profile and occlusion, but also his sleep quality.

Orthodontic Management Of Angle Class I Malocclusion With Unilateral Mandibular First Molar Loss And Generalized Gingival Recession, Ming-Che Wu, Hsin-Yi Lo, Ming-Ju Lee

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

This case report presents the treatment of Angle Class I malocclusion in a 28-year-old female patient with a missing right mandibular first molar and generalized gingival recession. The treatment plan involved whole-arch distalization in the upper dentition, relief of crowding under the condition of pre-existing gingival recession, space closure of the right mandibular first molar area, with substitution of teeth 47 and 48 for better final occlusion. Anchorage strategies included sequential distalization of upper buccal segment with the aid of temporary anchorage devices before anterior alignment. The closure of the right mandibular first molar space was achieved with uprighting and …

Moving A Maxillary Incisor Across The Midline For Substitution Of Contralateral Missing Incisor In A Multiple Anterior Teeth Missing Patient, Ling-Yu Huang, Chun-Liang Kuo, Chun-Hsiu Yang, Ting-Wei Liu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Loss of permanent maxillary incisor causes a significant esthetic problem, and there are various treatment options for rehabilitation. Moving the contralateral tooth across the facial midline for substitution of missing tooth is a possible treatment alternative for closing the maxillary anterior space.

This report presents an unusual treatment for a bimaxillary protrusion patient who typically requires premolar extraction to improve the convex profile. However, due to multiple missing anterior teeth, the left maxillary central incisor was moved across the facial midline to substitute the absent contralateral tooth, resulting in an improved profile after treatment.

The case was an 18-year-old female …

Establishment Of Cephalometric Norms Using Tetragon Analysis In Nepali Adults With Normal Skeletal Relationship, Rashmi Bhattarai, Rabindra Man Shrestha, Jyoti Dhakal

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Introduction: Cephalometric analysis is a cornerstone in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, enabling precise evaluation of craniofacial structures. Among the various methods, Tetragon analysis offers a unique visual approach to evaluate the maxillo-mandibular relationship. This is based on two geometric constructs, the tetragon representing the maxillo-dento-mandibular complex and the trigon, a complimentary triangle situated above it. Considering the significant genetic and environmental variations in craniofacial development, cephalometric norms established for one population may not be applicable to others.

Objective: This study aimed to establish normative cephalometric values for Tetragon analysis among Nepali adults with normal skeletal relationships.

Materials and Methods: …

Comparative Evaluation Of Trueness And Precision Of Intraoral Scanners For Maxillary Casts In Cleft Lip And Palate: A 3d Study, Rattiya Chuacharoen, Prajak Jariyapongpaiboon, Kaviya Kanokpongsak

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the trueness and precision of 5 different intraoral scanning devices in maxillary cleft lip and palate (CLP) models. Material and Methods: One complete unilateral and one complete bilateral CLP model were each scanned by TRIOS E4, a laboratory scanner, and recorded in a standard tessellation language (STL) file as a reference scan. These models were then scanned using five different intraoral machines: TRIOS 4; Straumann Virtuo Vivo; Medit i500; Aoralscan 3; and Panda P2. Each CLP model was scanned 10 times, and the files were saved as test scans. …

The Status Of Fluoridation

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

The future of community water fluoridation is uncertain amid legal action and federal leadership changes. Fluoridation is still recommended by the federal government, with new research following those recommendations affirming previous findings of safety and efficacy, however dentists remain central to public education and advocacy. A link to updated resources from the MDA is included.

Clinical Corner: Pearls From Local Dentists

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

"Clinical Corner" is a section of the WMDDS Bulletin where local dentists share clinical pearls for fellow practitioners.

Topics for this inaugural edition include correcting deep bites, troubleshooting implant complications, and an option for improving extractions.

Wmdds Bulletin Spring 2025

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

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

• Advocacy Avenue: "The Status of Fluoridation"
• "WMDDS at the MDA Annual Session"
• "The Shrinking Stack: A Shift Toward Digital in Dental Publications"
• A NEW and highly requested section, Clinical Corner! Each Bulletin will feature 2-4 pearls of clinical wisdom from local dentists and specialists.

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

Revealing The Role Of Saccharibacteria (Tm7) In The Oral Cavity And Its Potential Applications In Fighting Gum Disease, Tyrese Ostin-Bordeaux

PSU McNair Scholars Online Journal

This study explores the physiology of TM7, a mysterious microbe, in preventing gum disease. A literature review of 42 articles examines TM7's interactions with other microbes, deeming the microbe's behavior could help modulate pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity as a probiotic.