Dental Public Health and Education Commons^™

J Mich Dent Assoc Nov. 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The November 2026 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides comprehensive coverage of professional, legal, and operational developments impacting Michigan dentists. Key topics include an analysis of dental emergency visits at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), leadership principles within organized dentistry, advocacy efforts surrounding Senate Bill 105 regarding virtual credit card reimbursement fees, practice transition, embezzlement prevention, employee documentation compliance, and member services. This issue highlights community, equity, and legislative engagement aimed at supporting dental practices and improving statewide public oral health.

Nov. 2026 From The Editor - Wicked Problems, Shared Solutions, Romesh Nalliah

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial reflects on systemic issues in public oral health through the historical tragedy of Deamonte Driver and broader national statistics on emergency department fatalities from dental conditions. It emphasizes the complex, 'wicked' nature of oral healthcare access and highlights research in this issue examining how Michigan's Federally Qualified Health Centers handle emergency care. The editor urges member dentists to actively participate in organized dentistry and legislative advocacy to achieve meaningful, long-term health policy reform.

Analysis Of The Dental Emergency Visits At Fqhcs In Michigan And Recommendations For Change, Xuesi Hua, Martha Mccomas, Elizabeth Hatfield

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This mixed-methods study evaluates emergency dental operations across Michigan's Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Utilizing clinician interviews, surveys, and state usage data, the authors examine care delivery models, identify clinician and patient barriers to access, and analyze reasons why patients utilize hospital emergency departments rather than community health centers. System-level recommendations are proposed to optimize emergency triage, expand capacity, and improve outcomes for underserved populations.

Effectiveness Of Animated Video And Electronic Dental Booklet Among Children In Primary Healthcare Centers, Kediri, Indonesia: A Prospective Interventional Study, Arini Indriyasari, Sayekti Wahyuningsih, Indasah Ir, Yuli Peristiowati

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introductions: Dental caries and poor oral hygiene remain major public health problems among children in Indonesia. Conventional dental health education has shown limited effectiveness in achieving sustainable behavioral change. Digital media, such as an animated video and an electronic dental booklet (e-Saku Gigi), offer a promising strategy to improve oral hygiene behavior in children.

Aim: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Dental Health Education (DHE) intervention using an animated video and e-Saku Gigi on oral hygiene status (OHI-S), dental caries experience (DMF-T), and the knowledge–attitude–behavior pathway.

Methodes: A two-stage design was used. The first stage employed an …

Oct. 2026 - 5 Clinical Questions. Better Clinical Decisions., Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature previews the continuing education program presented by Dr. Melissa Seibert at the 2027 Sun, Sand & CE Cruise. Focusing on minimally invasive caries management and evidence-based restorative dentistry, the article outlines five daily clinical challenges faced by practitioners. Topics include determining when to restore versus monitor lesions, evaluating caries risk, selecting therapeutic agents, and translating dental research into practical workflows. The piece emphasizes practical decision-making and peer networking to help clinicians improve patient outcomes and return to practice reenergized.

Oct. 2026 - A Lifetime Of Saying Yes To Service, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This biographical feature profiles Dr. Raymond Gist, celebrating his receipt of the key to the city of Flint, Michigan, and his six-decade career in dentistry. Tracing his journey from Flint to becoming the first Black president of the American Dental Association (ADA), the story highlights his dedication to patient care, mentorship, and leadership within organized dentistry. Dr. Gist encourages early-career and underrepresented dentists to embrace leadership roles and community involvement, demonstrating how committing to service elevates the profession and advances oral health equity.

Oct. 2026 From The Editor - Advocacy Works. We've Seen It., Romesh Nalliah

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this editorial, the Editor-in-Chief emphasizes the vital role of professional advocacy in protecting patients and sustaining dental practices. Drawing inspiration from historical advocacy efforts, such as Benjamin Ricci's fight for institutionalized care standards, the article highlights recent victories achieved by the Michigan Dental Association. Key achievements include securing increased Medicaid reimbursement rates after decades of stagnation and advocating for the passage of Senate Bill 105 to eliminate burdensome virtual credit card fees. The author underscores that health policy change requires active engagement from dentists advocating on behalf of their patients and profession.

J Mich Dent Assoc Oct. 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The October 2026 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association highlights advocacy, leadership, clinical practice, and practice management for Michigan dentists. The cover story examines how MDA advocacy led to the passage of Senate Bill 105, prohibiting forced virtual credit card transaction fees. Features include a profile on Dr. Raymond Gist, first Black ADA president; clinical guidance on caries management with Dr. Melissa Seibert; insights from the LEAD leadership program; and surgical mindfulness by Dr. Anish Gupta. Regular departments cover unlicensed employee legalities, supporting caregiver employees, open health insurance enrollment, and MDA organizational updates.

Fluoride Started Here — And The Fight Over It Never Really Ended

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

In the 1950s, opponents called fluoridation a communist plot (yes, really, it’s the gag behind Dr. Strangelove and his “precious bodily fluids”). The costume has changed every decade since, but the resistance never actually went away. It just waited. And right now, it's back in force: in 2025, Utah and Florida became the first states to ban community water fluoridation outright, bills to do the same were introduced in roughly twenty more, and federal agencies have begun re-reviewing the science and walking back the longstanding recommendation. Eighty years after Grand Rapids led the way, the thing we thought was settled …

Efficacy Of A Mouthwash Containing Standardized Centella Asiatica Extract (Eca 233) In Patients With Gingivitis: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial, Alisa Awapark, Wanchai Chongcharoen, Mayuree H. Tantisira, Nattapon Rotpenpian

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Gingivitis is the earliest and most reversible stage of periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation of the gingiva caused by the accumulation of plaque. In addition to removing plaque, mouthwash containing antiseptic or anti-inflammatory could be used as an adjunct therapy.
Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a 0.10% standardized Centella asiatica extract (ECa 233) mouthwash compared to 0.12% chlorhexidine and placebo mouthwashes in individuals with gingivitis.
Materials and Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 75 patients assigned equally to ECa 233, chlorhexidine, or placebo groups. Participants used the assigned …

The History Of Communal Water Fluoridation And Its Continued Safe And Efficacious Use Today, William J. Maloney

Bulletin of the Ninth District Dental Association

The profession of dentistry consistently strives to better the oral and dental conditions of people throughout the world. This is accomplished in a variety of ways- improving dental materials, refining and developing new technologies and educating the public on matters which affect their health. In order to achieve these beneficent goals dentistry relies on evidence-based facts and science.

Unfortunately, there will always be a segment of society which puts forth assertions that are not based on solid evidence. Communal water fluoridation has been a safe and effective public health effort to decrease humanity’s suffering from dental caries for decades. This …

Udm Dean's Report - A Look At The Student Of Today As We Prepare Them For Tomorrow, Mert N. Aksu Dds, Jd, Mhsa, Cert. Dph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

UDM Dental School Dean Mert N. Aksu discusses the profiles, expectations, and challenges of modern dental students, highlighting their collaborative nature, tech-savviness, and focus on wellness and work-life balance. The report outlines UDM's clinical curriculum enhancements, including systems-based biomedical integration, and extensive clinical practice labs. Aksu addresses the substantial 58% inflation-adjusted rise in educational debt since 2008 and updates on community service rotations (Corktown Clinic, Titans for Teeth), the implementation of the new Vermont Track for rural care, the adoption of AI radiographic analysis, and comprehensive student mental health support programs.

Um Dean's Report - Meeting The Challenge Of Educating Dentists In A Constantly Evolving Profession, Jacques E. Nör

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

University of Michigan School of Dentistry Dean Jacques Nör highlights the school's historical legacy during its 150th anniversary and details recent academic, clinical, and research progress. Key developments include the establishment of the state-of-the-art Digital Dentistry Center for in-house digital workflows, a pediatric certificate program in Social Epidemiology funded by a $2.1 million federal grant, the transition to Epic electronic health records (integrated with MyChart), and the community-based collaborative care rotation program in Marquette. The report also highlights national faculty leadership roles and $24.1 million in research funding.

Mda Public Relations Grant Program Opens Applications For 2026 Cycle, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association is opening applications for its 2026 Public Relations Grant Program, offering individual grants of up to $5,000, with $30,000 in total funding, to support component dental societies. The program funds creative community-focused initiatives scheduled for 2027 that educate the public and promote oral health, excluding purely charitable clinical care. Eligible projects emphasize relationship-building and community engagement. Highlighted success stories from previous cycles include oral health kit distributions, youth-focused educational events, and the expansion of the 'Give Kids A Smile' exams and preventive care clinics across Michigan.

A Systematic Review Of Recommendations For Asynchronous Teledentistry, Helen Chen D.D.S., Seeun Mo D.D.S., Rami Habib D.D.S., Hannah Kim D.D.S., Madusha Perera D.D.S., Courtney H. Chinn D.D.S., M.P.H.

The New York State Dental Journal

Background: COVID-19 renewed interest in teledentistry to improve access to oral healthcare. This review assessed recommendations for asynchronous teledentistry regarding image capturer, device, target population, capture protocol and diagnostic ability.

Methods: Five reviewers conducted a PRISMA guided search for eligible studies published from 2000–2023. Articles were independently evaluated using a four-point rubric.

Results: Sixteen articles were included, with a mean score of 5.38/15. The lowest score was for image capturer, and the highest for diagnosis of oral disease.

Conclusion: Limited evidence supports standardized protocols, underscoring the need for further research on best teledentistry practices.

Do Social Determinants Of Health Affect Tooth Retention For American Indian/Alaska Native (Ai/An) Adults?, Vae Day

Summer Research Showcase

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults face severe dental disparities due to social determinants of health (SDOH). This study examines how socioeconomic, functional, and cognitive factors influence access to dental care. Quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS Statistics. Chi-square testing and logistic regression evaluated relationships between variables. Using a strengths-based approach to this research, the outcome variable was recoded to measure “teeth retained” instead of “teeth removed due to tooth decay or gum disease”. Analyses revealed that tooth retention and healthcare access significantly increase with favorable SDOH, including reliable transportation, household income, ability to complete errands independently, having insurance, and retained …

Improving Fluoride Varnish Application Rates In A Pediatric Primary Care Microsystem, Roman G. Roxas

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem

Childhood caries is a preventable public health issue disproportionately affecting the underserved. National guidelines recommend fluoride varnish (FV) application during well‑child visits. In California, fewer than 15% of children under age six received FV. In a pediatric primary care clinic, baseline performance was 11% in 2025.

Context

A six‑month quality improvement project was implemented. Key barriers included reduced team cohesion, workflow variability, unclear roles, and underutilized electronic health record (EHR) prompts.

Interventions

The change package standardized medical assistant–led workflows, activated EHR prompts, and provided targeted education. Leadership reinforcement through regular huddles supported adoption, consistency, and team engagement.

Measures

Outcome …

From The Editor: Is Giving Actually Better Than Receiving?, Romesh Nalliah

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial examines the relationship between generosity, volunteerism, and well-being. Using the Michigan Dental Association Foundation’s Mission of Mercy as a focal point, the author highlights research suggesting that prosocial behavior can improve mental and physical health while benefiting communities in need. The article encourages oral health professionals to use their skills and resources to support underserved populations through volunteer service, mentorship, and community engagement.

J Mich Dent Assoc August 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The August 2026 (Volume 108, No. 8) issue of the Journal is published in print format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

The August 2026 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association explores clinical, professional, legal, leadership, and public …

Mission Of Mercy: Restoring Smiles With Dignity, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature chronicles Michigan’s 2026 Mission of Mercy clinic, where more than 1,200 volunteers provided 5,656 procedures to 771 patients. The article describes patient experiences, volunteer contributions, and the extensive planning required to transform a sports arena into a temporary dental clinic. Beyond oral healthcare delivery, the program restored confidence, relieved pain, and highlighted the dental profession’s commitment to serving underserved populations.

The Power Of The Tripartite: Defending Fluoridation Together, Sarah Stuefen Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article describes a successful grassroots effort to preserve community water fluoridation in Vinton, Iowa. The author details how local dental professionals, state dental associations, the American Dental Association, public health experts, and community stakeholders collaborated to educate decision makers and advocate for evidence-based public health policy. The experience demonstrates the importance of coordinated advocacy and organized dentistry in protecting oral health initiatives.

The Back Page: A Toast To The Future: From Boomers To Gen Z Zoomers, George T. Goodis Dds, Gerald J. Halk Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article highlights a leadership brunch that brought together multiple generations of dental leaders to encourage engagement in organized dentistry. The gathering emphasized mentorship, leadership development, and the transfer of institutional knowledge to younger dentists. Participants celebrated the future of the profession while discussing the importance of community involvement, leadership participation, and professional growth.

Employing Artificial Intelligence For Non-Invasive Diagnosis Of Craniofacial Deformities: A Systematic Review Of Non-Ionizing Radiation Methods, Nurul Mutmainnah, Harun Achmad, Lusy Damayanti

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Craniofacial deformities, like craniosynostosis and plagiocephaly, require early diagnosis, but traditional methods like CT scans use harmful ionizing radiation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a non-invasive, radiation-free alternative, using 2D and 3D imaging for accurate diagnosis, improving safety and accessibility, especially in remote areas.

Objective: This review evaluates the use of AI in diagnosing craniofacial deformities without ionizing radiation, focusing on its strengths, limitations, and challenges in clinical implementation.

Methods: The literature was searched across five databases—PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Wiley, and Cochrane—over the last decade, following PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were AI-based, non-invasive imaging techniques for craniofacial deformities. The …

Gentle Beginnings: Innovative Use Of Melatonin And Triclofos Sodium For Uncooperative Children-An Invivo Study, Rohan Shrivastava, Sonal Gupta, Charu Aggarwal, Akil Prawin S.S

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: To compare the pre- and post-use of oral melatonin and oral triclofos as oral sedative drugs on anxiety, sedation, and cognitive and psychomotor function to perform satisfactory dental treatment on uncooperative children.

Methods: A total number of 100 patients aged between 4 and 9 years who were scheduled for dental treatment were randomly divided into two groups, Group I and Group II, and administered melatonin and triclofos sodium, respectively, to determine changes in anxiety, cognitive, psychomotor, and sedation scores pre- and post-treatment. Data were analyzed using an unpaired/paired t-test, and P < 0.05 was contemplated as statistically significant.

Results: Post-treatment assessments revealed a significant reduction in …

J Mich Dent Assoc July 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The July 2026 (Volume 108, No. 7) issue of the Journal is published in print format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

The July 2026 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association celebrates the 40th anniversary of the association's …

July 2026 The Back Page — Fighting Burnout By Building A Better Sense Of Community, Tamar Shrikian, Dmd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Tamar Shrikian shares a personal commentary on overcoming professional burnout by seeking fulfillment outside the clinical setting. Identifying isolation as a key factor in clinician stress, she discusses her transformative experience joining a community chorus. The article introduces the concept of a "third place"—a social space distinct from home and work—as essential for maintaining a healthy identity beyond being a health care provider. Shrikian encourages her colleagues to actively build social connections, whether through faith communities, hobbies, or organized dentistry, to foster mutual support and overall well-being within the profession.

Facilitators And Barriers That Exist For Patients Receiving Dental Care In Rural Communities, Monse Sandoval Brumbaugh

University Honors Theses

Rising healthcare costs and limited access to care have exacerbated the shortage of healthcare providers. Although multiple factors contribute to a clinician’s preference for practicing in rural areas, the imbalance created leads to rural communities with significantly reduced access to essential services, particularly dental care. The disparity between urban and rural healthcare is a well-documented global problem, but it remains a pressing issue in the United States, particularly in Oregon. The Full Time Equivalents (FTE) count of full-time practicing dentists in rural regions is significantly lower than in urban areas. Statewide, there are about 0.48 dentists per 1,000 residents. However, …

J Mich Dent Assoc June 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The June 2026 (Volume 108, No. 6) issue of the Journal is published in digital format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

The June 2026 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides association updates, legal advice, and clinical …

Better Questions Make Better Dentists: Why Values-Based Conversations Lead To Better Outcomes, Anish Gupta Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Anish Gupta argues that technical proficiency in dentistry must be guided by values-based communication to ensure optimal patient outcomes. He critiques traditional informed consent that merely lists procedural options, suggesting it can lead to confusion if a patient's primary motivations—such as dignity or quality of life—are not addressed. By slowing down to uncover what truly matters to the patient, dentists can provide better guidance and clinical judgment. Gupta emphasizes that alignment with patient values removes obstacles to treatment acceptance.

From The Editor: The Journal: Supporting Michigan’S Dental Community, Romesh Nalliah

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Editor-in-Chief Dr. Romesh Nalliah explores the concept of "community" as a shared responsibility within the dental profession. He positions the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association as a vital tool for connecting practitioners and delivering rigorously reviewed scientific content to guide clinical decision-making. While acknowledging technological advances like artificial intelligence, Nalliah maintains that "soft skills"—including listening, empathy, and critical thinking—remain the most essential factors for success. He encourages members to utilize the Journal for mentorship and professional support.