Dental Public Health and Education Commons^™

Dentistry And The Law: Can Dental Plan Ratings Be Defamatory?, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article discusses the legal implications of dental plan ratings for dentists. If a dental plan assigns a rating to dentists and publishes it to patients without providing specific information about the rating's basis or an opportunity for dentists to contest it, legal recourse may be limited. Currently, no statutory law regulates such ratings, leaving dentists potentially vulnerable to defamatory ratings. Under Michigan law, dentists could sue for defamation, but proving the rating's falseness and the resulting loss of patients may be challenging. Federal regulation is suggested to ensure fairness, transparency, and protection for dentists subjected to involuntary ratings.

J Mich Dent Assoc July 2022

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists! In this July 2022 issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover feature on negotiating reimbursement rates with PPO contracts.
• A cover feature on guarding against employee embezzlement.
• A 10-Minute EBD on rampant caries management and prevention with ADHD patients taking stimulant medications.
• A Back Page look at the 2022 MDA award winners.
• News you need: an Editorial, guidance on dental practice cybersecurity, and regular department …

Staff Matters: Independent Contractor Or Temporary Employee?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Determining whether temporary hygienists should be classified as independent contractors or employees requires careful consideration. While treating them as independent contractors offers advantages, such as avoiding payroll taxes and paperwork, it must align with specific IRS criteria. The classification hinges on the degree of control the practice exerts over their work, encompassing behavioral and financial control. If the practice significantly controls aspects like duties, hours, and business aspects, it may be wiser to classify them as employees. The IRS provides a form (SS-8) to assess the relationship in-depth. Additionally, if hygienists request employee status and you cannot definitively prove otherwise, …

Dentistry And The Law: Risk Of Employment Discrimination In Job Advertisements, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Employment discrimination in job advertisements that include religious references, such as statements like "faith-based practice" or symbols like crosses, is a legal concern. Federal and Michigan state laws, particularly the Elliot Larson Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), prohibit discrimination in employment, encompassing various protected classes. ELCRA applies to all employers in Michigan, regardless of their size. Violating ELCRA can lead to legal consequences, including injunctive relief and compensatory damages. Including such references or symbols in job ads can be used as evidence against employers in discrimination claims, even if rejected candidates have lesser qualifications. Publishers of these ads are also at …

Staff Matters: Employees On Military Leave, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Staff Matters column addresses an employer's concern about an employee being deployed for military service and explores options for managing the situation. The response emphasizes the application of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The article highlights that USERRA, applicable to all employers regardless of size, mandates unpaid leave for military service members and outlines re-employment rights. Practical suggestions for coping with the absence, including hiring temporary staff and having a clear policy in the employee handbook, are provided. The column also hints at future articles …

News You Need: Reminder: What You Must Know About Antitrust Law, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This reminder emphasizes the critical importance for dentists, particularly members of organizations like the Michigan Dental Association, to understand antitrust laws and their implications. The U.S. Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission actively pursue antitrust violations among physicians and dentists. The article outlines key aspects of the Sherman Antitrust Act, emphasizing that joint activities among independent dentists that restrain competition may lead to violations. The concept of joint action and the restraint on competition are explored, with a focus on potential pitfalls, such as price-fixing and group boycotts. Dentists are urged to stay informed to avoid legal consequences.

Dentistry And The Law: Responding To Internet Criticism And Hipaa Considerations, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Dentistry and the Law column addresses the challenge of responding to online criticism as a healthcare professional, particularly dentists. The question involves a patient posting false and damaging information online, leading to concerns about reputation and the desire to set the record straight. The response outlines the limitations imposed by HIPAA on using patient information for such purposes and explores the legal complexities in pursuing recourse. The column advises against responding directly to negative online posts, emphasizing proactive reputation management through online advertising and patient testimonials.

J Mich Dent Assoc November 2021

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• Cover stories with a “Focus on Advocacy: Helping Dentistry Succeed”, including “MDA Dental PAC: What It Is and Why It Matters “, “2021 Advocacy Success — and More to Come “, and “Dental Programs Maintained in 2021-22 State Budget”.
• A feature article on “The Anishinaabe Dental Outreach Program”.
• A feature article, “How Your Website and …

J Mich Dent Assoc October 2021

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story, “Welcoming Colleagues from Different Practice Models”.
• A feature article from the Journal’s DEI series, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Perspectives from an LGBTQ Dentist”.
• A feature article, “Congratulations, 2021 MDA Life Members!”.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, and component news. …

J Mich Dent Assoc June 2021

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story “Team-Based Treatment of Oral Cancer: The U-M Experience”.
• A feature article, “Dental Management of the Head and Neck Cancer Patient Treated with Radiation Therapy: Update 2021”.
• A feature article on “Understanding Cyber Threats and the Risk they Pose to Your Practice”.
• "A Train-the-Trainer Education Model and Rural Dental Opioid Prescribing Outcomes”, a …

J Mich Dent Assoc May 2021

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story “3D Printing in Dentistry: Concepts, Technologies, and Applications”.
• An interview with new MDA President Dr. Mike Maihofer.
• The MDA award-winners for 2021.
• A feature article, “Things to Know about the New e-Prescribing Law”.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, and …

J Mich Dent Assoc March 2021

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story, “Vaccination by Dentists: Integrating Vaccination into Dental Practice”.
• A feature article on “Creating Opportunities for HPV Awareness and Prevention in Dental Health Care Settings”.
• The feature article, “MDA Legislative Advocacy 2021: What We’ve Done and What’s to Come”.
• “How COVID-19 Has Impacted Michigan Dentists”, a feature article.
• News you need, Editorial and …

J Mich Dent Assoc February 2021

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A feature article on “Pediatric Dentistry: Care for Our Youngest Patients in the Challenging Time”.
• A feature article, “The Hall Technique: A Minimally Invasive, Non-aerosol Approach for the Decayed Primary Molar”.
• The feature article, “Delayed Antibiotic Prescribing: A Simple Strategy to Promote Antibiotic Stewardship”.
• ”Dentistry and the Current State of the Opioid Epidemic in Michigan”, …

J Mich Dent Assoc January 2021

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on “The Dentist’s Role in Recognizing Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children”.
• A feature article, “Dental Sleep Medicine Education: Do You Want a Nap or a Full Night’s Sleep?”.
• The feature article, “In-office Plans: Where Are We Now? What Have We Learned?”
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, …

J Mich Dent Assoc December 2020

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on “The Dentist’s Role in Recognizing Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders: A Two-Part Series”.
• The “2020 Author/Title Index to the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association”.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, and component news.

This issue also includes three articles reprinted …

J Mich Dent Assoc November 2020

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• Feature articles on how “Routine Blood Lead Testing During Pregnancy Empowers Future Dental Caries and Neurotoxicity Research”, how to “Recoup Your Dues and More with MDA-Endorsed Programs”, and your “2021 MDA Membership Benefits Guide”.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, 10-Minute EBD, Headquarters …

J Mich Dent Assoc October 2020

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story, “Michigan’s New Hypertension Screening Guidelines: What Do They Mean for You?”
• Three feature articles: “The Mask Ask: Understanding and Addressing Mask Resistance”, “An Election-Year Message from Your MDA Dental PAC”, and “How to Respond to Online Reviews Without Violating HIPAA”.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, …

J Mich Dent Assoc September 2020

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story, “Perspectives from the Deans: Michigan’s Dental Schools in the Time of COVID-19"
• Five feature stories: “There’s a New CDA-to-RDA Pathway in West Michigan”, “We Can Do Something to Meet the Need for More RDAs”, “Coronavirus in the Workplace: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers”, “Statistics Tutorial Part IV: Common Statistical Errors”, and “Preparing …

J Mich Dent Assoc July 2020

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story, “Infection Control Checklist for Dental Offices” that offers a user-friendly checklist to help dental team members comply with current infection control regulations and guidelines, using the most recently available science- and clinical-based evidence gathered from multiple health professional resources.
• A feature story on “Minimizing Aerosols with Non-Surgical Approaches to Caries Management".
• “Evidence-Based …

J Mich Dent Assoc June 2020

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month,The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story with an interview with the MDA’s 2020-21 president Dr. Stephen Meraw.
• “Implementing Teledentistry: The Why and How” discusses the background and guidance on this important – and growing – aspect of telehealth.
• “Key Tips in Communicating Evidence in the Clinical Setting”, another feature in our series of articles focusing on evidence-based dentistry. …

J Mich Dent Assoc February 2020

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month,The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on the 2020 MDA Annual Session
• A feature covering student perspectives on the Opioid Crisis
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, Headquarters Report, and component news

This issue also includes articles reprinted with permission:

• “Muscle Deprogramming: A Source of Confusion”, …